China Takes the Lead in the Autonomous Passenger Drone Race: First Air Taxi Flights Begin

China has taken a major step in the rapidly growing autonomous passenger drone (eVTOL) sector by carrying out its first passenger-carrying air taxi flights. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has granted air operator certificates to EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines, authorising unmanned passenger flights.

First Passenger Flight and Record Orders

Following approval, EHang successfully flew its EH216-S eVTOL model and secured 50 firm orders. After rigorous testing, the first passenger trials were conducted in Indonesia.

China’s Edge in the Global Race

More than 300 companies worldwide are competing to produce eVTOL aircraft. While major aerospace players such as Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer are focusing on long-range models capable of speeds up to 250 km/h, Chinese manufacturers have made rapid progress with short-range, two-passenger designs.

According to a report by the Hurun research group, China’s “low-altitude economy” is expected to reach a value of USD 207 billion by the end of this year, with the figure projected to double by 2035.

Tourism-Focused Air Taxi Services

As reported by Xinhua, the certificates granted to EHang and Hefei Hey Airlines initially allow them to launch autonomous passenger services on short-distance routes for tourism purposes. The companies plan to expand their networks over time.

Technical Specifications of the EH216-S

• Capacity: 2 passengers

• Cruising speed: 100 km/h

• Maximum speed: 130 km/h

• Maximum altitude: 3,000 m

• Range: 35 km

• Flight duration: 21 minutes

• Battery charging time: 120 minutes

• Maximum payload: 220 kg

• Equipment: 16 propellers, 16 electric motors, carbon-fibre body

With its multi-propeller design, carbon-fibre composite structure, and high safety standards, the EH216-S stands out as a harbinger of a new era in urban mobility.