The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted air operator certificates to EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines on Saturday, 29th March, allowing both firms to conduct unmanned passenger flights, according to the South China Morning Post.
This certification of autonomous flying taxis is the final step in a series of permits required to launch these services, which also include approvals for production and airworthiness. The decision is part of a government-driven initiative to expand low-altitude aviation innovations, encompassing drones and blimps. Nasdaq-listed EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines received full clearance to operate autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) for passenger services, as reported China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency on 30th March, Sunday.
These certificates enable the two firms to begin deploying flying taxi services, initially focusing on short-distance routes for tourism and eventually expanding to larger networks. While the aircraft are autonomous, the companies must still adhere to strict safety, maintenance, and operational standards. The review process began in July 2024, when EHang announced that the CAAC had started reviewing its application for the license to produce domestic air vehicles.
China’s “low-altitude economy” is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, projected to be worth 1.5 trillion yuan (US$207 billion) by 2025, and nearly double that by 2035, according to a report by research group “Hurun”.
Esasy Technology Authorities in China have issued the first permits for autonomous passenger drones,...
