Chinese aerospace startup Inflync has accomplished a major milestone in the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. On February 16, 2026, the company conducted the first untethered hover flight of its full-scale L600 ducted-fan eVTOL demonstrator, marking a significant step towards commercial viability.
Founded in October 2023 and based in Shanghai, Inflync's rapid progression underscores China's increasing prominence in urban air mobility innovation. The successful hover flight demonstrated the aircraft’s stability and controllability in uncrewed, full-flight conditions, generating optimism for future flight tests and certification processes.
Industry analyst Graham Warwick highlighted that China's advancements are occurring at a record pace compared to Western counterparts, which are still engaged in preliminary testing phases. The achievement signifies the country’s ambition to become a key player in the eVTOL aviation sector, aiming to replace traditional ground transportation in urban environments.
The company intends to pursue further flight testing, working closely with regulatory authorities to obtain necessary certifications. This breakthrough reflects the broader trend of technological acceleration within China’s aerospace sector and suggests a competitive future for its urban air mobility offerings.
