China is leading the race to commercialize air taxis, outpacing traditional advanced nations. At the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo in Hainan, a pavilion for low-altitude mobility showcased innovative technologies from key players like EHang Holdings.
China Daily reports that urban air mobility (UAM) specialist EHang showcased three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo, highlighting the future of urban transportation. The company’s flagship model, the EH216-S, received significant attention as the world’s first and only electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) to secure all four key certifications for commercial operations: type certificate, production certificate, standard airworthiness certificate, and operational permit.
The EH216-S has completed over 66,000 safe flights across 19 countries, serving in passenger transport, aerial tourism, logistics, and emergency medical services. EHang plans to launch air taxi services this year, operating from rooftops or designated vertiports. This solution aims to ease traffic congestion and function as an aerial ambulance and emergency rescue vehicle.
EHang has established over 20 pilot operation sites in 16 Chinese cities, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The company is also developing island connection routes and an urban air network in the Hainan region.
At the expo, United Aircraft unveiled the TD550, China’s first unmanned helicopter to receive type certification, highlighting the country’s progress in aerial mobility.
The Chinese government has prioritized emerging industries, including the low-altitude economy, in its national growth strategy. Many cities have established research institutes to accelerate development. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) projects the low-altitude economy will grow from 500 billion CNY (685 million USD) in 2023 to 1.5 trillion CNY (2.055 billion USD) by 2025, reaching 3.5 trillion CNY (4.795 billion USD) by 2035.
