AutoFlight Achieves Historic First eVTOL Flight in Central Asia's Alatau City

Historic First eVTOL Flight in Central Asia

AutoFlight has marked a significant moment in the evolution of urban air mobility by successfully conducting Central Asia's first demonstration flight of an eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft in Alatau City, Kazakhstan, on May 21, 2026. This groundbreaking event signifies a major step forward in the region's transport innovation.

The flight was part of a collaboration with the Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd. (AAAG), which has already purchased and paid for the large eVTOL aircraft. During the flight ceremony, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing to the acquisition of 50 additional eVTOL units from AutoFlight. This partnership aims to enhance transportation in low-altitude airspace across Kazakhstan and the surrounding areas.

Moreover, plans for the first vertiport in Alatau City are already underway—this site is set to become the UAM (Urban Air Mobility) Center Eurasia, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan dedicated to pioneering urban aerial transportation solutions.

Alisher Abdykadyrov, the general director of the Alatau City Authority, emphasized that this initiative is more than just the showcase of a technological advancement. It symbolizes a transition to a novel model of urban development, where innovation, digital transformation, and advanced mobility solutions combine to foster a new economic sector.

In line with enhancing investment and liquidity mechanisms to realize its strategic initiatives, AAAG plans to cooperate closely with the Alatau City Bank. Vyacheslav Kim, a shareholder at the Alatau City Bank, shared that the recent signing of the constitutional law 'On the Special Legal Regime of the City of Alatau' creates a framework for developing high-tech sectors, including the low altitude economy. The government's support has been pivotal in establishing the UAM Center Eurasia and attracting some of the world’s leading technology partners to Kazakhstan.

AutoFlight is committed to working with AAAG and local authorities to advance airworthiness certification, operational standards, and pilot training frameworks throughout the region. This collaboration aims to ensure the safety and efficiency of eVTOL operations, promoting wider acceptance and integration of this new mode of transport into daily life.

About AutoFlight

AutoFlight stands at the forefront of eVTOL technology, providing comprehensive solutions for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The company specializes in developing eVTOL aircraft tailored for both cargo and passenger transport, aiming to revolutionize how we think about mobility. In August 2024, AutoFlight secured a strategic investment from CATL, further solidifying its position as a leader in the field.

About Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd.

Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd. (AAAG) is a private, innovative enterprise based in Kazakhstan, focusing on technologies and infrastructure for the low altitude economy as part of the new smart-city development effort in Alatau City.

With these advancements in urban air mobility, the future of transportation in Central Asia appears bright, as AutoFlight and AAAG take significant strides towards fostering an advanced transport ecosystem.