Chinese flying taxi pioneer Ehang has successfully completed test flights of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the EH216-S, in Bangkok without a pilot, but with passengers on board. This marks the latest milestone for the company, with Thailand becoming the 18th country to approve the aircraft for flight.
The demonstration flights took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center during the Thailand Drone Exhibition & Symposium 2024. Ehang received prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to conduct these flights. The company plans to conduct further flight tests in the country and aims to begin commercial operations in popular tourist destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui by 2025, targeting the development of Thailand’s low-altitude airspace and air mobility market.
The EH216-S is designed to take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for traditional runways. Ehang envisions the aircraft providing point-to-point air transport in city centers, potentially alleviating ground traffic congestion in Thailand. The company also aims to enhance the country’s tourism sector by offering faster transportation options to islands, which are typically accessed by slower, traditional water transport.
âThis demo flight marks significant progress in integrating UAM solutions into Thailandâs aviation industry,â said Suttipong Kongpool, Director of CAAT. âEHangâs EH216-S is currently the worldâs only eVTOL with airworthiness certificates, and we look forward to its commercial flight operations in certain areas of Thailand next year, which will serve as a significant contribution to Thailandâs UAM roadmap development plan.â
Ehangâs Chief Financial Officer, Conor Yang, highlighted the importance of the flights as a key milestone in the company’s international expansion. âThe debut passenger flights of our EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Thailand is a key milestone in EHangâs ongoing international development and that is a strong boost in promoting the transformation of global advanced urban air mobility,â Yang said. âWe aim to apply our pilotless eVTOL products and solutions in the Southeast Asian market.â
In addition to its Thai expansion, Ehang has also announced two new developments: a partnership with Zhuhai Enpower Electric to develop high-performance electric motors and controllers for its aircraft, and the opening of a vertiport in Hefei, China, where the EH216-S can take off and land vertically.
Ehang’s progress in eVTOL development puts it ahead of Western competitors. It is the only company to have received type certification and production certification for its eVTOL, while its German competitors, such as Lilium and Volocopter, face financial difficulties.