Beijing, April 2, 2025 – China has officially approved the commercial use of autonomous flying taxis, marking a groundbreaking advancement in urban air mobility. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has granted Air Operator Certificates to EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines, paving the way for the first pilotless passenger drone services in the country.
EHang’s EH216-S, a two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is at the forefront of this development. The aircraft, equipped with 16 propellers across eight arms, can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph) and operate for approximately 21 minutes on a single charge. It follows pre-programmed flight routes and communicates with command centers via 5G technology, ensuring real-time monitoring and control.
The approval follows rigorous regulatory assessments, including airworthiness certification, type certification, and production verification. Analysts predict that initial operations will focus on low-altitude tourism, offering urban sightseeing experiences, with future expansions into urban transportation and emergency response services.
China’s initiative places it at the forefront of autonomous aerial transportation, potentially setting a precedent for other nations to follow. The move is expected to accelerate global investment in eVTOL technology and urban air mobility infrastructure.
