EHang Begins Delivering Air Taxi to Customers Following Airworthiness Certification

The Chinese manufacturer’s EH216-S air taxi was the first in the world to receive type certification from a national regulator.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 02:24 PM ET

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EHang’s pilotless EH216-S air taxi makes a demonstration flight at a ceremony ringing in the company’s first commercial delivery. [Courtesy: EHang]

Key Takeaways:

Chinese manufacturer EHang has obtained the world's first airworthiness approval from the CAAC for its pilotless EH216-S eVTOL air taxi, clearing the way for commercial launch and positioning China to lead in urban air mobility.
EHang has commenced commercial delivery of the certified EH216-S, with the first unit going to a customer in Guangzhou, and is actively establishing operational demonstration centers and strategic partnerships for UAM services across multiple Chinese cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
The company is pursuing significant international expansion, including a deal to deliver 100 aircraft to the UAE starting in 2024 and plans to build a European UAM Center in Spain.

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American lawmakers and regulators have big plans for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis. But China continues to look like it will be the first country in the world to introduce high-flying urban air mobility (UAM) services to the public.

Chinese manufacturer EHang—which a few months ago became the first company to obtain type certification for an eVTOL air taxi design—said it has now obtained airworthiness approval for its self-flying EH216-S model, clearing the way for a commercial launch in the coming months.