Flying-Car Startup Moves Closer to Bringing Beijing-Favored Tech to Market

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What’s new: The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has accepted applications from two EHang Holdings Ltd. units to operate pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the country.

The applications for an Air Operator Certificate take the Chinese startup a step closer to commercializing the technology that the government has identified as a key driver of future economic growth.

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CAAC has accepted applications from two EHang units to operate eVTOL aircraft in China, moving closer to commercializing the technology.
The Chinese government prioritizes developing a “low-altitude economy” with policies promoting eVTOL usage for tasks like aerial sightseeing and logistics.
A 2022 CAAC roadmap predicts air taxi tests by 2025 and widespread urban goods transport by 2035.

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Who’s Who

EHang Holdings Ltd.: EHang Holdings Ltd. is a Chinese startup focused on developing pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Its applications for an Air Operator Certificate, submitted by subsidiaries Guangdong EHang General Aviation Co. Ltd. and Hefei Heyi Aviation Co. Ltd., have been accepted by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The acceptance moves EHang closer to commercializing its flagship self-flying vehicle, the EH216-S, aimed at promoting new economic growth sectors.

Guangdong EHang General Aviation Co. Ltd.: Guangdong EHang General Aviation Co. Ltd. is a subsidiary of EHang Holdings Ltd. It has submitted an application to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for an Air Operator Certificate to operate pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This move is part of EHang's efforts to commercialize eVTOL technology and establish the world's first commercial operation standard system for passenger-carrying eVTOL.

Hefei Heyi Aviation Co. Ltd.: Hefei Heyi Aviation Co. Ltd. is a joint venture of EHang Holdings Ltd. It has submitted an application for an Air Operator Certificate to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to operate pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The acceptance of this application is a significant step toward commercializing eVTOL technology in China.

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What Happened When

October 2023：: Four Chinese ministries released a plan to put eVTOL vehicles into trial commercial use by 2025.

December 2023：: CAAC opened two bands of low-altitude airspace to be used by drones, helicopters and other eVTOL aircraft.

July 22, 2024：: EHang Holdings Ltd. announced that its subsidiary Guangdong EHang General Aviation Co. Ltd. and its joint venture Hefei Heyi Aviation Co. Ltd. submitted applications to CAAC for an Air Operator Certificate for pilotless eVTOL aircraft.

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