Kufei, a company based in Hangzhou, has introduced its product Urban, which is positioned as the world's first single-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft capable of vertical take-off. Alongside it, the company demonstrated the Dream series with seating and its proprietary flight control system.
After completing training, users will be able to stand on the aircraft's platform and fly. The Kufei aircraft was the sole passenger vehicle at a sub-event of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala in 2026, operating successfully in temperatures below minus 30 degrees Celsius. The products have undergone market trials, and nearly a hundred pre-orders have been received abroad.
The Dream series uses a traditional seated configuration: one central seat on a multi-rotor platform, where the pilot controls direction and altitude using a joystick. The Dream ST model is intended for the US ultralight aircraft market, while the Dream Pro offers a larger payload and longer flight time. The latter can carry up to 120 kilograms of payload, reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, and fly for up to 40 minutes with a 70-kilogram pilot.
The Urban aircraft differs fundamentally from classic flying machines: it lacks wings, a cabin, and a seat. The black body is a flat platform with outward-facing ducted fans, and the rotors are protected by a honeycomb structure. A standing area is located in the center with a forward control stick; the pilot wears a helmet and protective gear and stands on the body, similar to a giant flying skateboard. The expected flight time for Urban is 11 minutes with a 70-kilogram pilot.
During vertical take-off, any body movement changes the center of gravity, so the flight control system continuously compensates for human movement and external disturbances. Kufei plans to implement a center of gravity detection function, allowing the controller to regulate thrust across the power units, bringing the device closer to a self-balancing scooter.
Both product lines are built on Kufei's proprietary eVTOL flight control system, named NA80. This system utilizes a dual-redundancy architecture: two independent flight control units, each integrating three aviation IMUs that simultaneously transmit data followed by cross-checking to detect drift and instant switching. The safety system is multi-layered: it includes architectural redundancy, active protection with 360-degree perception, collision avoidance, and safety boundary adherence, as well as passive protection such as enclosed ducted fans, airbags, full-body airbag suits, and parachutes on certain models.
Kufei designed both aircraft as passenger transport vehicles, using military-grade benchmarking for avionics and production standards regarding environmental resistance, vibration, and complete lifecycle traceability.
Kufei also solved the insurance problem by entering into the industry's first comprehensive insurance scheme with PICC and CPIC, which covers the aircraft itself, onboard personnel, and third parties. In foreign markets where approved regulations for ultralight aircraft apply, the corresponding products operate under simplified licensing: ultralight aircraft under FAA Part 103 in the US do not require standard airworthiness certification or a traditional pilot license.
Dream is oriented towards recreational flights, low-altitude tourism, nature exploration, yachting, and closed parks, while Urban defines the long-term direction for light, compact, and portable personal transportation.
The domestically developed passenger aircraft C919 in China has officially commenced regular international commercial flights. The first flight took place on Wednesday afternoon from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar.
Air China flight CA723 departed from Beijing Capital International Airport at 15:00 local time. Upon arrival in the capital of Mongolia, a water cannon salute is expected, which is the highest honor in civil aviation, to mark this historic achievement.
According to official data, as of August 10, the C919 served 57 routes connecting 25 cities and completed over 7.5 million passenger transports.
Furthermore, this aircraft has been showcased at major international air shows, including two editions of the Singapore Airshow and one in Dubai.
