EHang advances certification for pilotless eVTOL operation in China

EHang's EH216-S model could be the first fully certified pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL.

Published: July 29, 2024

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EHang Holdings Limited, a global leader in urban air mobility (UAM), announced through a press release a major breakthrough with the formal acceptance of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) applications by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This acceptance initiates the commercial license review and operational qualification for its pilotless eVTOLs (passenger-carrying air vehicles), marking a crucial step towards commercialization of the EH216-S.

The CAAC review will include the evaluation of several technical and operational aspects, based on an innovative approach that tailors existing regulations to the unique needs of the eVTOL. This process reflects a collaborative effort between EHang and the CAAC to establish operational standards that could serve as a global reference for the operation of eVTOLs.

About EHang’s unmanned eVTOLs

EHang has also led the drafting of technical standards for eVTOL aircraft landing sites, providing essential guidelines for the design and construction of these facilities. These standards, the first of their kind in China, are intended to facilitate the safe and efficient integration of eVTOLs into urban space.

The company seeks not only to revolutionize transportation in urban areas with its eVTOLs, but also to establish a model for commercial operation worldwide. Huazhi Hu, CEO of EHang, highlighted the importance of these advances in achieving accessible and sustainable urban air mobility, anticipating the issuance of the first commercial standards and certifications for these vehicles.