China Approves First Commercial Flying Taxis, Ushering in Autonomous Aviation Era

EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines receive regulatory clearance to launch urban sightseeing and low-altitude services, marking a global milestone in autonomous air travel.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has granted air operator certificates to EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines, enabling the launch of the world's first commercial autonomous flying taxis.
This regulatory approval finalizes a series of certifications, including type, production, and airworthiness certificates, achieved by both companies over the past two years.
EHang's EH216-S, the first mass-produced autonomous eVTOL, is a fully electric, pilotless two-seater designed for air taxi services, aerial tourism, and other applications.
China's low-altitude economy, which includes innovations like flying taxis, is projected to reach a market value of 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025, with significant government support driving its growth.
The approval positions China as a global leader in autonomous aviation and intensifies competition in the emerging flying taxi market, with domestic and international players vying for dominance.