Electric Air Taxis Reach Mass Production Phase in China

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer EHang says it now has the trio of approvals necessary to scale up commercial operations in China.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, April 09, 2024 at 10:29 AM ET

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EHang’s self-flying EH216-S completes a commercial demonstration flight at Jiulong Lake Park in Guangzhou, China. [Courtesy: EHang]

Key Takeaways:

Chinese eVTOL manufacturer EHang has obtained the world's first production certification for a pilotless eVTOL (EH216-S) from the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC).
This approval allows EHang to begin mass manufacturing and, combined with prior Type and Airworthiness certificates, completes all regulatory requirements for commercial operations in China.
The certification is a pivotal step towards establishing China's "low-altitude economy," a sector receiving substantial support and investment from central and local governments.
EHang plans to scale production, launch commercial services like aerial tourism and urban air taxis in 2024, and collaborate on developing global regulatory standards for eVTOL operations.

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Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer EHang says it has obtained the world’s first production certification for a pilotless eVTOL design, allowing it to begin mass manufacturing.

The approval was granted by the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC), representatives of which met with EHang founder, chairman, and CEO Huazhi Hu at a ceremony in Guangzhou’s Huangpu District on Sunday.