EHang Secures World’s First Approval for Commercial Air Taxis in China

EHang, a front-runner in autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) innovation, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the world’s inaugural type certificate for a passenger air taxi from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This prestigious certification paves the way for EHang’s EH216-S AAV to offer commercial services within China.

Boasting 16 propellers, the EH216-S is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle capable of transporting two passengers. The cutting-edge eVTOL can accommodate a payload up to 220 kg, attaining speeds as high as 130 km/h, with a maximum range of 35 km.

Acquiring the certification was no small feat. Spanning over 1,000 days, the approval process entailed exhaustive testing and scrutiny of the EH216-S, evaluating its design, functionality, safety parameters, and dependability. The CAAC’s rigorous inspection encompassed more than 500 specific parameters, leading to over 40,000 test flights under varied conditions and locations.

Riding on this accomplishment, EHang is gearing up to inaugurate commercial operations of the EH216-S, commencing with scenic flights in Guangdong province. The enterprise has set its sights on broadening its reach across diverse sectors including tourism, transport, emergency services, and logistics.

As urban air mobility (UAM) heralds a promising future, EHang is strategically positioned to be a trailblazer in this burgeoning industry. A Morgan Stanley analysis anticipates the global UAM domain to escalate to a staggering $1.5 trillion by 2040. Banking on its state-of-the-art and environmentally-conscious AAVs, EHang aspires to spearhead this imminent revolution.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, dronedj.com, robbreport.com