Flying taxis take off in China: Two companies get licenses for pilotless passenger drones. Watch viral video

autonomous flying taxis for commercial use, marking a significant step in its low-altitude economy. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has granted air operator certificates to EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines, allowing them to operate passenger drones for urban sightseeing tours, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.

New Business Model for Urban Transportation

The approval follows the companies’ completion of all necessary regulatory requirements, including type certification, production certification, and airworthiness certification, according to Citic Securities. «We reckon that low-altitude tourism will be the beginning of this new business,» Citic Securities stated, adding that EHang's urban sightseeing tours could drive industry growth.

Government Push for Low-Altitude Economy

Beijing is actively supporting the development of the low-altitude economy, which includes innovations like delivery drones, blimps, and flying cars. The Chinese government views this sector as a key driver of economic expansion, alongside emerging technologies such as biomanufacturing, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and 6G networks.

«The low-altitude economy is a new growth driver, and it will be an important engine to push the high-speed development of China’s economy,» said Cheng Bolin, vice president of the low-altitude unit at the China Information Association.

EHang EH216-S: The First Mass-Produced Flying Taxi

EHang became the first company globally to receive a production certificate for manufacturing autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles in China in April 2024, according to LiveScience. The EH216-S, introduced in 2018, is a fully electric, pilotless two-seater