GUANGZHOU, China, March 30, 2025 — In a groundbreaking stride for aviation, EHang (Nasdaq: EH), a trailblazer in Urban Air Mobility (UAM), has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Guangdong EHang General Aviation Co., Ltd., alongside its joint venture in Hefei, Hefei HeYi Aviation Co., Ltd., have secured the inaugural batch of Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This landmark achievement, revealed today, propels China into a futuristic realm of human-carrying flight within the burgeoning low-altitude economy, a sector poised to redefine transportation and economic landscapes. For the first time, citizens in Guangzhou and Hefei can purchase tickets for low-altitude tourism, urban sightseeing, and an array of commercial flight services aboard the innovative EH216-S, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that operates without a pilot.

This development doesn’t merely signify a regulatory nod; it heralds a transformative shift in how we perceive urban transit. With these certificates, EHang has not only cemented its position as a global leader in eVTOL technology but also ignited a spark of curiosity about what lies ahead for air mobility.

Imagine a morning commute where traffic jams are replaced by serene flights over cityscapes an idea that, until now, lingered in the realm of science fiction. As EHang’s journey unfolds, it invites us to ponder the intersection of technology, regulation, and human experience in shaping the skies of tomorrow.

A milestone in aviation history

The issuance of these AOCs marks a pivotal moment, officially ushering in China’s era of human-carrying drone flights. Unlike traditional aviation certifications, these pertain to pilotless aerial vehicles, a category that demands rigorous scrutiny due to its autonomous nature.

EHang’s EH216-S has already shattered records by securing the world’s first Type Certificate (TC), Standard Airworthiness Certificate (AC), and Production Certificate (PC) for a human-carrying eVTOL. The addition of the AOC completes an unprecedented quartet of regulatory approvals, positioning EHang as the first company globally to achieve this full suite of certifications.

This accomplishment reflects years of meticulous collaboration between EHang and the CAAC, an authority renowned for its stringent safety standards. According to a 2024 report by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the global eVTOL market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040, driven by advancements in autonomy and electric propulsion. EHang’s success offers a tangible glimpse into this future, demonstrating that pilotless flight is not a distant dream but a present reality.

In Guangzhou and Hefei, operational sites are already buzzing with activity, offering services that range from scenic aerial tours to practical urban transport solutions.

Beyond the technical triumph, this milestone underscores China’s ambition to lead the low-altitude economy. A 2025 study by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology estimates that this sector could contribute over $280 billion annually to the national economy by 2030, fueled by innovations like the EH216-S. As EHang bridges the gap between prototype and public service, it sets a precedent for other nations grappling with the regulatory complexities of autonomous aviation.

Expanding horizons: From tourism to urban commuting

With the AOCs in hand, EHang is wasting no time in broadening its operational footprint. In Guangzhou and Hefei, residents and tourists alike can now experience the EH216-S firsthand, whether soaring above historic landmarks or gliding over modern skylines.

These initial offerings focus on tourism and sightseeing, tapping into a market that, according to Statista, saw global aerial tourism revenue exceed $12 billion in 2024. Yet, EHang’s vision extends far beyond leisure. The company plans to gradually integrate its services into urban commuting, pending further operational data and regulatory refinements.

This phased approach mirrors strategies seen elsewhere. For instance, Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based eVTOL contender, has similarly targeted aerial ridesharing as a stepping stone to broader urban applications, with test flights underway in California as of early 2025.

EHang’s advantage lies in its head start its EH216-S is already certified and operational, while competitors like Joby and Volocopter await final approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

A case study from Shanghai, where EHang completed a debut flight in January 2025, illustrates this momentum: the EH216-S ferried passengers along the Huangpu River, hinting at its potential as an urban air taxi.

Looking ahead, EHang aims to establish additional low-altitude transportation hubs across China. Partnerships with local operators in cities like Shenzhen, Taiyuan, and Wuxi are already in motion, with plans to secure more AOCs by mid-2026.

This expansion aligns with China’s national “AI Plus” initiative, which emphasizes integrating artificial intelligence into industries like aviation. As Zhao Wang, EHang’s Chief Operating Officer, noted in a recent earnings call, “The demand for our EH216-S reflects a growing appetite for sustainable, efficient transport solutions.”

The ripple effects could be profound, potentially reducing urban congestion and carbon emissions a prospect supported by a 2025 Nature Communications study estimating that eVTOLs could cut transport-related CO2 emissions by up to 15% in dense cities.

The science behind the EH216-S

At the heart of this revolution is the EH216-S itself, a marvel of engineering that blends autonomy, electric power, and compact design. Weighing approximately 220 kilograms (485 pounds) and boasting a 16-rotor configuration, the aircraft can carry two passengers up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) at speeds reaching 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph).

Its battery, rechargeable in under an hour, exemplifies advancements in lithium-ion technology, offering a range sufficient for short-haul urban trips. EHang’s proprietary flight control system, underpinned by AI, ensures precise navigation and obstacle avoidance, drawing on principles akin to those in autonomous vehicles.

Safety, a perennial concern in aviation, has been paramount. The EH216-S underwent over 1,000 test flights before earning its TC in 2023, a process detailed in a Journal of Aerospace Engineering article praising its redundant systems multiple motors and backup power sources ensure stability even if components fail. This robustness has earned the CAAC’s trust, a testament to EHang’s rigorous approach.

Comparatively, the global eVTOL sector has seen setbacks; a 2024 crash involving a prototype in Europe underscored the challenges of scaling autonomous flight, yet EHang’s track record suggests it has navigated these hurdles adeptly.

The environmental angle is equally compelling. Traditional helicopters guzzle fossil fuels, emitting roughly 1,000 kilograms of CO2 per hour of flight, per Greenpeace data. In contrast, the EH216-S, being fully electric, produces zero direct emissions, aligning with China’s 2060 carbon neutrality goal. This sustainability edge could reshape urban transport, especially in megacities like Guangzhou, where air quality remains a pressing issue.

Challenges and the road ahead

Despite its triumphs, EHang faces hurdles. Scaling operations requires substantial infrastructure—vertiports, charging stations, and air traffic management systems tailored for low-altitude flight. A 2025 McKinsey & Company report estimates that building a single vertiport could cost $5–10 million, a figure that multiplies across dozens of cities.

Public perception also looms large; a Pew Research Center survey from early 2025 found that 40% of respondents were wary of pilotless aircraft, citing safety concerns.

Regulatory harmonization poses another layer of complexity. While the CAAC has embraced EHang’s vision, international markets demand alignment with local standards. EHang’s debut flight in Spain in February 2025, under EASA oversight, signals progress, but full commercial rollout abroad hinges on reciprocal agreements a process that could take years. Still, EHang’s proactive stance, including partnerships with JAC Motors for production scaling, positions it favorably.

As EHang forges ahead, its story is one of innovation tempered by pragmatism. The EH216-S isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a harbinger of a reimagined urban ecosystem. Whether sipping tea above Guangzhou’s Pearl River or commuting over Hefei’s bustling streets, passengers are stepping into a future where the sky is no longer the limit it’s the starting point.

Source: ehang.com