The technology coming out of China is quite remarkable. China has unveiled the world’s first pilotless air taxi service. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued Air Operator Certificates (OCs) to EHang Holdings in Guangdong Province and its subsidiary, Heyi Aviation. The companies believe this will boost China’s tourism sector and pave the way for the normalization of flying vehicles over the next five years.
EHang’s EH216-S is a two-seat electric drone that can travel at a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) over a range of 18.6 miles (30 km). Heyi Aviation has a similar model as well that is meant for “low-altitude economy” flights. Initial operations will be restricted to closed-loop routes that land and takeoff at the same location.
Ehang’s Vice President He Tianxing said phase one of pilotless taxis will begin this year into 2026, focusing solely on tourism travel in Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Taiyuan, Wuxi, Wenzhou and Wuhan. Flights will initially vary from three to 10 minutes as phase one is about novelty and the excitement of air travel rather than commuting or transportation. Tianxing said the experience is “just like riding in a car.”
“The human-carrying pilotless aviation and the low-altitude economy, as an emerging industry, is still in its developmental stage and remains a national strategic focus in China’s aviation sector,” EHang said. There are still many challenges to be addressed and improvements to be made, requiring industry-wide collaborations.”
Phase two will occur from 2026 to 2030 to include urban air taxis capable of traveling longer distances. These taxis will be used for actual commuting and transport purposes, creating a new “low-altitude economy.”
The US has attempted to compete with eVTOL aircrafts for “power-left” vehicles, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and are designed to land and take off vertically to avoid the need for a runway. However, the FAA has not approved of a pilotless aircraft. Estimates stat that this business could grow into a $30 billion opportunity by 2035.
China expects the new low-altitude economy, which also includes drones and air sports, to be worth $205 billion (1.5 trillion yuan) by the end of 2025. The CCP is aggressively pushing this new niche and expects it to double in size by 2035. What was once an idea seen only in science fiction films is now a reality. It will be quite interesting to see how this technology plays out in potentially reshaping travel.
