China’s EHang Is ‘Fast Tracking’ Autonomous Air Taxis Globally

New program seeks to accelerate introduction of uncrewed passenger aircraft in other countries.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

EHang’s EH216-S is the first passenger-carrying, pilotless eVTOL aircraft to obtain standard airworthiness certification from a regulator. [Credit: EHang]

Key Takeaways:

Chinese eVTOL manufacturer EHang, with the world's first certified pilotless air taxi (EH216-S), launched its "Global Fast Track Program" to accelerate the introduction of its technology to other nations, starting with Sri Lanka.
The program aims to compress eVTOL deployment timelines from years to months by leveraging EHang's existing certifications from Chinese aviation authorities, allowing partner nations to validate an already-approved aircraft.
This initiative underscores a competitive race with the U.S., which is also pursuing global leadership in advanced air mobility through international harmonization agreements and domestic pilot programs, despite not yet having certified any eVTOL aircraft.

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A Chinese manufacturer of autonomous eVTOL air taxis wants to help other nations evolve the technology from evaluation to introduction in as little as four months.

EHang—whose EH216-S earned the world’s first type certificate, production certificate, and standard airworthiness certificate for pilotless, passenger-carrying electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft—on Wednesday launched its “Global Fast Track Program,” naming Sri Lanka as its inaugural member.