EHang, the autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company in China, has accomplished another breakthrough with its EH216 passenger-grade AAV, completing its first passenger-carrying autonomous flight in Japan. The flight was carried out with no pilot on board and two passengers on the coast of Tanoura Beach in Oita city, under the authorization of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan. It is also the first-ever passenger-carrying flight for an autonomous eVTOL aircraft in Japan, marking a significant milestone for EHang.
EHang is committed to providing customers in various industries with AAV products and commercial solutions such as air mobility, smart city management, and aerial media solutions. The company has demonstrated the reliability of its AAV products over the past few years, achieving one milestone after another in Japan with several rounds of demo and trial flights.
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Xin Fang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, emphasized the significance of the company’s latest milestone in Japan. “All these milestones are inextricably linked to the support and trust of MLIT of Japan, local government departments, and our partners. EHang has also demonstrated the reliability of our AAV products. We will continue working with our partners to promote safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly UAM solutions in Japan so as to benefit more people worldwide with our passenger-grade AAVs.”
Kirino Hiroshi, one of the passengers who took a ride with EH216, expressed his excitement about the possibilities of experiencing the beauty and pleasure the skies offer without a pilot. He also looks forward to EH216’s flight tests in more cities and the future when EH216 can be deployed and applied in Japan.
EHang has made significant progress in the autonomous aerial vehicle industry and continues to set new standards with its cutting-edge product and technology. With the completion of its first passenger-carrying autonomous flight in Japan, EHang has once again demonstrated its commitment to promoting safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly UAM solutions worldwide.
