China Approves First Autonomous Air Taxi Operators, Signaling a New Era in Urban Mobility
▼ Summary
– China granted its first commercial licenses for autonomous passenger drones to EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines, issued by the CAAC.
– The EH216-S, a fully autonomous eVTOL, can carry two passengers, reach 130 km/h, and has a 35 km range.
– The EH216-S received multiple CAAC certifications, including type and airworthiness, ensuring safety compliance.
– Initial commercial services, like urban sightseeing tours, will launch in cities such as Guangzhou and Hefei.
– This milestone advances China’s low-altitude economy and sets a global precedent for urban air mobility.
In a landmark move for urban air mobility, China has granted its first commercial licenses for autonomous passenger drones. EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines received air operator certificates from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), authorizing them to operate pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for passenger services.
EH216-S: The Certified Autonomous eVTOL
Central to this development is EHang’s EH216-S, a fully autonomous eVTOL designed for short-range urban flights. The aircraft can carry two passengers, achieving a maximum speed of 130 km/h and a range of up to 35 kilometers. Its design includes 16 propellers powered by electric motors, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing, and is constructed with a carbon fiber composite fuselage for strength and lightness.
The EH216-S has obtained multiple certifications from the CAAC, including type, production, and standard airworthiness certificates, underscoring its compliance with stringent safety and quality standards.
Commercial Operations and Future Prospects
While a specific timeline for commercial flights has not been announced, both EHang and Hefei Hey Airlines are preparing to launch services such as urban sightseeing tours. These operations are expected to commence in cities like Guangzhou and Hefei, aligning with China’s broader strategy to develop its low-altitude economy.
The CAAC’s issuance of air operator certificates marks a significant step toward integrating autonomous air taxis into urban transportation networks. As these services begin, they will likely serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide, potentially transforming how people navigate congested urban environments.
