EHang Holdings, a Chinese drone maker, anticipates the introduction of flying taxis for public transport in mainland China within the next five years. According to Conor Yang, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, “I believe that by 2030, China will likely have fixed-route air shuttle services. It’s also possible that in some cities, with sufficient infrastructure such as take-off and landing points, air taxi services could emerge.”[1][2]
## Current Progress and Certification
EHang and its joint venture partner Hefei Heyi Aviation achieved a significant milestone in March when they became the first companies globally to receive certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to operate autonomous passenger drones[1][2]. This certification covers the twin-passenger EH216-S aircraft, which has impressive specifications:
– Top speed: 130 km/h
– Range: 30 km
– Price: 2.39 million yuan (approximately $331,000) on Taobao[1][2]
The company is currently conducting trial flights in Guangzhou and Hefei to collect and analyze data before commencing operations in designated areas in these two cities by the end of 2025[1][2]. These initial services will be restricted to specific corridors as the technology and infrastructure continue to develop.
## Future Plans and Expansion
EHang has ambitious plans for growth and expansion:
1. The company plans to debut its new VT-35 model this quarter, specifically designed for intercity, cross-bay, and cross-mountain travel[2]
2. Two new battery solutions are expected to be introduced later this year[2]
3. EHang aims to increase annual aircraft production from 300 to 1,000 units by year-end[2]
4. International expansion is also underway, with strong interest from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America[1]
5. The company is in discussions with Thailand’s civil aviation authorities after completing a maiden passenger flight in Bangkok in November[1]
## China’s Low-Altitude Economy
China is actively promoting its low-altitude economy, defined as industries operating aerial vehicles below 1,000 meters. This sector is projected to grow significantly:
– Expected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025
– Projected to grow to 2.5 trillion yuan by 2035
– The China Low Altitude Economic Alliance estimates the country could have up to 100,000 eVTOLs in operation by 2030[2]
As urban air mobility technology advances and infrastructure develops, EHang is positioning itself to be a pioneer in this emerging transportation sector in China and potentially worldwide.