AutoFlight eVTOL completes world’s first offshore oil platform cargo transport mission
AutoFlight, in strategic partnership with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and CITIC Offshore Helicopters, announced the successful completion of the world's first offshore oil platform cargo transport mission utilizing AutoFlight’s 2-ton CarryAll electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
AutoFlight’s CarryAll eVTOL aircraft has successfully completed the world’s first offshore oil platform cargo transport mission.
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 kilometers offshore.
The successful demonstration addresses longstanding logistical constraints in offshore energy operations. Traditional maritime cargo transport to CNOOC's South China Sea platforms requires approximately 10 hours per transit, creating significant delays for critical supply deliveries and emergency response scenarios, while helicopter transport provides rapid deployment capabilities.
The successful mission establishes a foundation for expanded eVTOL applications across offshore energy operations. These applications 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.
