Watch Video: “AutoFlight Achieves World’s First 2-Ton eVTOL Offshore Oil Platform Operation With 300 Kilometre Round-Trip”
China-based, eVTOL developer, AutoFlight, has announced a successful completion of the world’s first offshore oil platform cargo transport mission using its eVTOL aircraft, CarryAll, reports a press release. The mission was in collaboration with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and CITIC Offshore Helicopters.
The V2000CG CarryAll, the world’s first 2-ton eVTOL to receive comprehensive certification including Type Certificate, Production Certificate, and Airworthiness Certificate, “executed a precision cargo delivery mission,” says the release.
The aircraft departed from a designated launch facility in Shenzhen carrying essential supplies including fresh provisions and emergency pharmaceuticals, completing a 58-minute trans-oceanic flight to the Huizhou 19-3 Oil platform, located 150 kilometres offshore.
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Traditional maritime cargo transport to CNOOC’s South China Sea platforms requires around 10 hours per transit, creating significant delays for critical supply deliveries and emergency response scenarios. While helicopters do provide rapid deployment capabilities, operational costs remain high for routine cargo operations.
Ren Yongyi, Deputy Manager, Crisis Management & Operations Support Department, CNOOC China Limited Shenzhen Branch, commented, “This flight represents the convergence of innovative aviation technology, proven operational expertise and real-world offshore operational requirements.”
He continued, “We have successfully demonstrated a comprehensive ‘development + operation + application’ framework for low-altitude economic implementation.”
Kellen Xie, Senior VP of AutoFlight, added, “These results validate both the technical feasibility and operational reliability of large-scale eVTOL platforms for offshore energy sector applications. The aircraft’s performance under demanding maritime conditions demonstrates the maturity of electric aviation technology for commercial deployment in complex operational environments.”
CITIC Offshore is the largest helicopter operator in Asia. The company provided comprehensive operational support, leveraging over four decades of general aviation expertise to coordinate airspace management and safety protocols.
The release continues, “The mission used China’s first digital air traffic control tower, establishing new standards for eVTOL integration within existing aviation infrastructure. This collaborative approach ensured smooth execution while maintaining the highest safety standards throughout the operation.”
Operating within the challenging South China Sea environment, characterised by fog, high salt mist and humidity levels, as well as variable strong wind conditions, the CarryAll successfully demonstrated critical flight capabilities including precision vertical operations, stable hovering performance and extended trans-oceanic navigation.
This mission establishes a foundation for expanded eVTOL applications across offshore energy operations. These encompass efficient personnel transportation for crew rotation and emergency medical evacuation; rapid deployment of high-value components and emergency supplies; enhanced monitoring and maintenance capabilities through facility inspections; and accelerated response times for maritime incidents and emergency situations.
The CarryAll incorporates advanced Lift & Cruise configuration, delivering a typical journey range of 200 kilometres per hour and a payload capacity of 400 kilograms.
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(Images: AutoFlight)
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