Two Chinese companies have received the first operating licenses for autonomous passenger drones. Issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Marking the start of commercial operations in the low-altitude sector in the country.
The operating certificates (OCs) were granted on March 28 to EHang Holdings in Guangdong Province. And Hefei Hey Airlines in Anhui Province, according to a statement released by EHang. This license confirms that the autonomous passenger drone meets the country’s operational safety standards. It can be used to offer commercial services to passengers, including urban sightseeing tours.
This was the last document needed to start service. As Yihang Intelligence‘s EH216–S unmanned aerial vehicle had previously obtained the Type Certificate (TC). Standard Airworthiness Certificate (AC) and Production License (PC).
“This makes Yihang Intelligence the first company in the world with ‘four certificates in one.’Which marks that low–altitude manned services and future urban air traffic can formally start the commercialization process. And gradually move towards the popularization phase of mass consumption,” EHang noted.
The company highlighted that the certificates mark the “beginning of the era of low–altitude flights with humans in China.” Allowing the population to “book low–altitude flights, city sightseeing and more in Guangzhou and Hefe“.
Also as if they were booking a traditional transportation service. However, it is not specified when the first ones will begin to circulate air taxis.
“In the future, EHang will continue to expand its business operations. Collaborate with partners to bring urban air mobility to more cities in China and the world,” the company added.
Translated by Radio Angulo
- Housing Construction in Antilla Benefits Vulnerable Families - 29 de April de 2025
- Díaz-Canel Urges People to Show Unity This May 1st - 29 de April de 2025
- Death toll rises from explosion at southern Iranian port - 28 de April de 2025