China allows the first flying taxi in history to carry passengers

The EH216-S AAV, a completely autonomous drone designed to carry two passengers, has been awarded the world’s first airworthiness “type certificate” by the Guangzhou-based company Ehang.

According to report, Ehang, a US-listed business, says to be the first in the world to possess this certificate, which enables it to fly autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for passenger transportation in China.

In a interview, CEO Huazhi Hu stated that this achievement will streamline Ehang’s global goals by opening the door for similar certificates in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US.

A shifting field of regulations

Even with the recent introduction of a proposal by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States to allow for autonomous flying vehicles, onboard pilots are still required.

Joby Aviation, a prominent player in the sector and based in California, has increased the scope of its flying test program but has not yet included passengers. China is actively controlling the use of unmanned aircraft, and new regulations are slated to go into force on January 1, 2024.

The EH216-S AAV, a completely autonomous drone intended to transport two passengers, has been awarded the world’s first airworthiness “type certificate” by the Guangzhou-based company Ehang.

According to report, Ehang, a US-listed business, says to be the first in the world to possess this certificate, which enables it to fly autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for passenger transportation in China.

In a interview, CEO Huazhi Hu stated that this achievement will streamline Ehang’s global goals by opening the door for similar certificates in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US.

The approval of Ehang comes at the same time as Chinese governments are allowing fully autonomous robotaxis to run on public streets, frequently charging users a fee.

Interestingly, Hu, the CEO of Ehang, noted that the primary difference between self-driving taxis and self-piloting drones is that drone flights take place between fixed sites in the air.