China approves the world's first flying taxi
Many people may have dreamed of flying taxis when they were stuck in heavy traffic jams. That dream is about to come true, as China has approved the world”s first flying taxi.
On October 13th, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted a type certificate to Guangzhou-based company Ehang to fly the world”s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) taxi. This small two-seater, known as the EH216-S, has also been approved to fly without a pilot on board.
According to Ehang CEO Huazhi Hu, this achievement will make it easier for the company to receive similar certificates in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States, thereby realizing Ehang”s global ambitions.
Ehang is poised to launch its first air taxi passenger service in a Chinese city, although the company has not yet provided any specific details or dates. Ehang has partnered with Xiyu Tourism to deploy at least 120 Ehang vehicles over the next five years, as evidenced by the delivery of five EH216-S units. Additionally, Ehang has received over 1,200 pre-orders from overseas entities such as Japan AirX, Malaysian Aerotree, and Indonesia”s Prestige.
Huazhi Hu, CEO of Ehang, believes that air taxis will become a common sight in many cities worldwide within the next five years. Ehang”s strategy is to introduce deliveries gradually, recognizing that the industry is still in its early stages of development.
