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3w ago

China Approves First Commercial Operations of Autonomous Passenger Drones

EHang and Hefei Hey Airlines receive authorization to launch ticketed sightseeing flights in Guangzhou and Hefei, marking a global milestone in eVTOL aviation.

EHang Future City at Guangzhou Suigang Port.
EHang has secured approval to begin commercial flights of its pilotless EH216-S eVTOL in Guangzhou and Hefei
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Overview

  • The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued air operator certificates to EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines, enabling the first-ever commercial use of autonomous passenger drones.
  • EHang's EH216-S, a fully electric, pilotless two-seater, is the first mass-produced eVTOL aircraft globally to receive full regulatory approval for human-carrying operations.
  • Initial operations will focus on sightseeing tours in Guangzhou and Hefei, with flights restricted to taking off and landing at the same location.
  • The EH216-S operates autonomously using 5G connectivity, with a cruise speed of 100 km/h, a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters, and a range of 35 km per charge.
  • China's government is promoting the low-altitude economy, projected to reach a market value of 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025, with plans for future expansion into urban commuting and other applications.