China Flying Taxi Trial Puts EHang a Step Ahead of Rivals

(Bloomberg) — China gave EHang Holdings Ltd. the go-ahead to begin trial air-taxi operations this year, a step toward the company’s goal of launching the world’s first commercial service using the futuristic battery-powered craft.

U.S.-traded EHang shares soared Friday after the company said its autonomous, two-passenger EH216-S secured China’s first type certificate from regulators signifying airworthiness. That will allow the Guangzhou, Guangdong-based company to work with local partners and conduct aerial tours of scenic locations such as Tianchi Lake in Xinjiang province and OH Bay in Shenzhen, it said.