China Moves Closer To Launching Flying Taxi Services As EHang Seeks Beijing’s Go Ahead

Beijing’s approval is now the only hurdle standing in the way of EHang’s plans to launch flying taxi services in China, as the country moves closer to realizing its ambitions for urban air mobility.

China is getting closer to introducing flying taxi services, and EHang is seeking approval from Beijing. EHang’s creator, chairman, and CEO, Hu Huazhi, said in a company release: “We are… one step closer to achieving our goal of operating unmanned passenger-carrying aerial vehicles commercially, which represents the final step for urban air mobility to enter the consumer market.” Hu added that the approval of the world’s first operator certificate for these vehicles is significant for the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry. EHang is working closely with the CAAC to develop a new operating system for pilotless aerial vehicles and believes this approval has major international implications.

Earlier this year, the CAAC granted EHang’s EH216-S the nation’s first production certificate for an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed for passenger transport. The CAAC also issued type and airworthiness certificates for the same aircraft used for commercial operations the previous year. These certificates are crucial for business operations.

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EHang’s successful certification efforts are a significant advancement in China’s low-altitude economy, which includes industries related to manned and unmanned eVTOL aircraft operating below 1,000 meters. This certification process shows the potential for flying taxis in the domestic market, especially with Beijing’s support for the low-altitude economy. Although the CAAC’s review may take some time, it highlights the potential of flying taxis. In December, the central economic work conference recognized the low-altitude economy as a key developing industry. Since then, Beijing has provided substantial investment and policy support, similar to the electric vehicle sector.

In March, EHang made the EH216-S available for purchase on Taobao, Alibaba Group’s main retail site, at a price of 2.39 million yuan, or about $332,000. EHang announced that the EH216-S would be available for purchase outside mainland China for $410,000 starting April 1. The EH216-S is designed for various urban air mobility applications, including air taxis, aerial tourism, airport shuttles, and cross-island transport. It features autonomous flight capabilities, fully electric propulsion, comprehensive safety features, and intelligent command-and-control systems.

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The EH216-S represents a key component of EHang’s vision for the future of urban air mobility. With its advanced technology, including autonomous flight and electric propulsion, it aims to revolutionize transportation within cities. The vehicle is designed to handle a variety of tasks, from providing air taxi services to supporting aerial tourism and shuttle operations.

The ongoing developments and certifications reflect China’s commitment to advancing its low-altitude economy. By supporting innovative technologies like the EH216-S, Beijing is positioning itself at the forefront of this emerging sector. As the country invests heavily in this area, it is likely to see significant growth in the use of flying taxis and other eVTOL applications in the near future.