EHang Holdings, a Chinese passenger drone maker, anticipates that flying taxis could become part of China’s public transportation system within the next five years, with fixed-route air shuttle services likely emerging by 2030[1][4]. This prediction comes from the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Conor Yang, who stated that cities with adequate infrastructure for take-off and landing points could see the emergence of air taxi services[1][2].
In a significant milestone, EHang and its joint venture partner Hefei Heyi Aviation became the first companies globally to receive certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to operate autonomous passenger drones in March 2025[1][2]. This certification covers EHang’s twin-passenger EH216-S aircraft, which features a top speed of 130 km/h and a range of 30 km[1][4].
## Current Progress and Future Plans
EHang is currently conducting trial flights in Guangzhou and Hefei to collect and analyze data before launching operations in designated areas in these cities by the end of 2025[1][4]. The certified EH216-S model is already available for purchase on the Chinese e-commerce platform Taobao for 2.39 million yuan (approximately US$331,000)[1][2].
The company plans to debut its new VT-35 model in the second quarter of 2025, specifically designed for intercity, cross-bay, and cross-mountain travel[2]. Additionally, EHang aims to introduce two new battery solutions later this year and increase its annual aircraft production capacity from 300 to 1,000 units by the end of the year[2].
## Market Potential and International Interest
China is actively promoting its “low-altitude economy,” encompassing industries that operate aerial vehicles below 1,000 meters. This sector is projected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025 and expand to 2.5 trillion yuan by 2035, according to CAAC estimates[2]. The China Low Altitude Economic Alliance has forecasted that the country could have up to 100,000 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in operation by 2030[2].
Beyond China, EHang is experiencing strong interest in its services from various regions, particularly the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America[1][4]. The company is currently in discussions with Thailand’s civil aviation authorities to operate eVTOLs in designated areas following the completion of its maiden passenger flight in Bangkok in November 2024[1][4].