China pioneers flying taxis: Ehang launches world's first commercial air travel service

chiny24.com 2 months ago

Urban Transport Revolution

In 2025 China became a global leader in urban air mobility. Company Ehang, a Chinese maker of drones and autonomous flying licences, announced the launch of the world's first commercial service of flying taxis. Service based on an unmanned electrical vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL) EH216-S, will start operations later this year in Guangzhou and Hefei. This is simply a crucial minute for the future transport.

Autonomous taxis for each

EH216-S is simply a two-seat, full autonomous multicopter, capable of beating 30 km on 1 charging.

The vehicle does not require a pilot – it moves on programmed routes and its flight is monitored by ground operators. As Vice president Ehang announces, He Tianxing, tickets are to be available to the public, although final prices have not yet been established.

– We want this to be a means of transport for the masses and not just for the few – emphasizes He.

Ehang: From drones to flying taxis

Founded in 2014 in Guangzhou, EHang initially specialized in photography and monitoring drones. However, she rapidly focused on the improvement of passenger vehicles. Her flagship model, Ehang 184, presented in 2016, was the world's first autonomous drone capable of transporting people. Despite the early ambitious plans (including cooperation with Dubai in 2017), it was only in 2023 that Ehang obtained certification from Chinese aviation authorities (CAAC) for the model EH216-Swhich enabled commercial flights.

In March 2025, the company received an additional authorisation for unmanned flights, which opened the way to launch the service. Ehang already has tests in respective countries, including Thailand, where demonstration flights with passengers were conducted in 2024.

Global race eVTOL

Air taxi marketplace is increasing rapidly – according to analysts Precedice Research By 2034, it will scope value $170 billion. Ehang is not the only player in the industry. American Joby Aviation plans to start operations in Dubai by the end of 2025, and nipponese lines ANA and JAL intend to introduce akin services in Tokyo (2027) and Osaka (2027), respectively.

Security and the Future

A key challenge for EHang is to convince the public of the safety of eVTOL. The company ensures that vehicles are equipped with emergency systems, including spare propellers, and that each flight is monitored by operators.

– W Thailand has large support for this technology. The authorities there are open to innovation – says He Tianxing.

Ehang is not going to halt at China. The company participates in the European task U-SAVEto make urban air mobility. Will autonomous taxis become everyday? We'll see shortly enough.

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