China Receives First Pilotless Flying Taxi Operator Certificate
On March 30, 2025, China’s Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued the first-ever Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for the pilotless flying taxi EH216-S. This milestone authorizes the operation of unmanned passenger flights, with trials scheduled to commence in late June 2025 in the cities of Guangzhou and Hefei. The tests serve as a prelude to launching commercial services, which are planned to begin before the end of the year.
EH216-S: An Autonomous Electric VTOL Vehicle
The EH216-S model is an autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to carry two passengers on low-altitude sightseeing routes spanning up to 30 kilometers in looped circuits. It achieves a maximum speed of 130 km/h with flight durations ranging from 3 to 10 minutes per trip. Specifically developed for short, scenic air tours with takeoffs and landings at the same location, the model promises a new mode of urban and suburban aerial transport.
Safety and Operational Stability at the Forefront
EHang Holdings, the manufacturer of the EH216-S, emphasized the importance of safety and operational reliability. The company stated that data collected from these test flights will be rigorously analyzed to ensure both safety and operational stability before officially launching the service. Vice President He Tianxing told CNBC that this pilot trial will finalize certification procedures as well as route governance for sightseeing flights. Future plans include expanding the service to other major cities such as Shenzhen.
Boosting China’s Low-Altitude Economy
China’s low-altitude economy is projected to reach a staggering 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025. The introduction of autonomous flying taxis like the EH216-S is expected to alleviate urban congestion and foster innovative transportation options. Success in these trials will serve as a benchmark for adopting autonomous flying taxis domestically and internationally, positioning China as a leader in urban air mobility advancements.
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