CNOOC conducts world's first eVTOL

A domestically developed electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft completed the world’s first cargo flight from land to an offshore oil platform, located 150 kilometers off the coast of Shenzhen, on Sunday.

A drone photo captures the eVTOL aircraft after landing on the Huizhou 19-3 oil platform, located 150 kilometers offshore. Photos courtesy of CNOOC

Carrying fresh fruit and emergency medical supplies, the eVTOL aircraft departed from a takeoff site in Shenzhen. After a 58-minute flight over the sea, it safely landed on the Huizhou 19-3 oil platform, located 150 kilometers offshore.

The test flight was jointly conducted by China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd., and AutoFlight. The successful mission marked a breakthrough for long-range logistics, demonstrating the capability of low-altitude delivery to offshore facilities under real marine operational conditions.

“The successful test flight that involved vertical takeoff and landing, hovering, and a long-distance cross-sea trip in an environment characterized by high-salt fog, high humidity, and strong winds proved that eVTOL aircraft are reliable in offshore oil industry scenarios," said Xie Jia, senior vice president of AutoFlight.

The eVTOL aircraft descends and prepares to land on the Huizhou 19-3 oil platform Sunday. 

Traditionally, CNOOC has primarily relied on ships to supply its offshore platforms in the South China Sea. However, with a one-way trip taking about 10 hours, this method is impractical for emergencies. While helicopters can be used for urgent needs, such as transferring emergency goods and personnel, flights are relatively costly.

The eVTOL aircraft demonstrated significant advantages, including lower operational costs, rapid response, environmental friendliness, comfort, and the ability to take off and land within a limited space, said Ren Yongyi, deputy manager of the coordination department of CNOOC's Shenzhen branch.

“This flight deeply integrates innovative aviation technology and real offshore operational needs, achieving a new breakthrough in long-distance, low-altitude logistics between sea and land,” said Ren.

A close-up view of the 2-metric-ton-class eVTOL aircraft.

The 2-metric-ton-class eVTOL aircraft is the world's first in its category to receive a type certificate, production license, and individual airworthiness certificate. Featuring a composite wing design, the CarryAll aircraft has a flight range of 200 kilometers, a maximum speed of 200 kilometer per hour, and a payload capacity of up to 400 kilograms.

It is estimated that by 2030, China's low-altitude economy will reach 3 trillion yuan (US$417 billion).