Frank Williams, Associate Editor
Yufei Aviation Launches the World’s First Super Light, Foldable eVTOL, Ushering in a New Era of Low-Altitude Tourism and Leisure, grrat for Pacific Islands, Caribbean Islands also for larger markets.
— Yutu A100 Debuts at New Factory in Guangzhou Huadu, Strategic Partnerships to Enhance Industry Upgrades
March 26, 2025, Guangzhou Huadu, China
Today, the grand launch event titled “Soaring Into the Future, Leading a New Journey — eVTOL New Model Design Finalization and New Factory Inauguration in Guangzhou Huadu” was held in Huadu District, Guangzhou. The event brought together government leaders, industry experts, and partners from the supply chain to witness the launch of Guangdong Yufei Aviation Investment Co., Ltd.’s (hereafter referred to as “Guangdong Yufei”) super-light foldable electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), the Yutu A100, and announced the official opening of its new plant in Guangzhou Huadu. The Yutu A100 is notable for being the first low-altitude aircraft officially launched in Huadu District.
Empowering Technology to Set New Standards in Low-Altitude Tourism
The Yutu A100, released by Guangdong Yufei, is a single-person, foldable eVTOL designed specifically for low-altitude tourism scenarios. With an empty weight of 115 kg and a maximum payload of 110 kg, it can fly at speeds of up to 72 km/h for 20 minutes at altitudes below 10 meters, with a charging time of just 50 minutes. As a mature model that has undergone two iterations and completed 2,000 flight validations, the Yutu A100 has been tested in various environments such as grasslands, sports fields, and coastal areas, ensuring safety and entertainment for consumers and offering an “accessible” flying experience.
Guangdong Yufei’s General Manager, Chen Li, stated in his keynote speech, “Our choice to enter the low-altitude tourism sector with super-light eVTOL is based on a comprehensive consideration of policy compliance, safety, and business viability.” The Yutu A100 fully complies with the Ministry of Transport’s regulations for “super light aircraft,” allowing it to operate in closed environments without the need for airworthiness certification.
Strengthening Collaboration to Build an Industrial Ecosystem
During the launch, the Huadu District Airport Economic Management Committee signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Guangdong Yufei. Zeng Wen, deputy director of the committee, commented, “The committee is making multi-dimensional efforts in policy planning, infrastructure development, investment promotion, and application settings to power the low-altitude economy, and Huadu District will continuously optimize the airport economic ecosystem, supporting innovative companies like Guangdong Yufei in exploring commercialization paths for the low-altitude economy.”
Guangdong Yufei’s parent company, Yung Lee Group, a leader in smart manufacturing of automotive and home appliance structural components, provides robust supply chain support. Chairman Chen Xi emphasized, “With a total investment exceeding 1 billion yuan and an annual output value of 2.8 billion, our deep collaborations with leading companies like Haier, Tesla, and CATL will fully empower Guangdong Yufei’s smart manufacturing capabilities.”
The factory Guangzhou Ocean Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. has successfully transitioned from traditional automotive components to high-end aviation manufacturing through technological upgrades and innovative models, ensuring precision parts processing for the Yutu A100 and showcasing a commitment to embracing change and innovation.
Safety at the Core, Innovation Driving the Future
Addressing public concerns regarding flight safety, Guangdong Yufei proposed a multi-faceted solution:
- Technical Redundancy: Eight motors with dual battery backups to ensure no single failure affects flight.
- Material Innovation: EPP foam exterior and race-grade frame significantly enhance impact resistance.
- Scene Design: Limited flight height and speed with operational scenarios including grass fields and water surfaces for safety.
- Management Closure: Mandatory joint flight test validations by design, manufacturing, and procurement leaders prior to delivery.
Additionally, Guangdong Yufei has partnered with industry-leading company ESA to optimize flight safety design through digital twin technology, with strong support from Qinglan Capital. The Lijiang Low-Altitude Economic Industrial Park in Guangxi has already been signed and initiated.
An Innovation Engine Unlocking a Trillion-Dollar Market
At the event, the Yutu A100 successfully completed its inaugural test flight. With the launch of the new factory in Huadu, Guangdong Yufei is set to infuse Chinese intelligence into the global low-altitude economy.
Currently, the low-altitude economy is becoming a new frontier in global industrial competition. Guangdong Yufei is spearheading this initiative with its “cultural tourism scenarios + mature models,” accelerating the commercialization at the consumer end through applications in theme parks, scenic tours, and outdoor camping.
Looking ahead, Huadu District aims to collaborate with various enterprises to explore a comprehensive ecosystem of “technology research
