EHang Holdings, a Chinese company specializing in flying taxis, has announced a partnership with the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (CAFUC) aimed at developing and training personnel for large civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Established by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Sichuan provincial government, CAFUC is known for creating pilot licensing frameworks and specializing in UAV regulations and standards.
EHang has secured three airworthiness certificates from the CAAC for its EH216-S, a pilotless eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle designed for passenger transport. Zhao Wang, EHang’s chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of continuous investment in talent development to ensure the safe operation of UAVs. “Our partnership with CAFUC will focus on enhancing industry awareness, professional knowledge, core skills, and safety awareness,” he stated. The collaboration aims to create a comprehensive talent cultivation program for UAV operators and maintenance staff.
EHang has conducted over 50,000 flights across 17 countries, including test flights of its electric aerial vehicle (EAV) in Brazil in partnership with local operator Gohobby Future Technologies. The company received approval for flight tests in Brazil, obtaining the Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate to demonstrate its intelligent flight technology and management system, which is intended to improve urban air mobility (UAM) initiatives.
Recently, EHang delivered ten of its EH216-S eVTOLs, valued at $410,000 each, to Taiyuan Xishan Ecological Tourism Investment Construction Co. for tourism purposes. The aircraft can autonomously carry two passengers. EHang has also showcased its VT-30 long-range firefighting variant and the EH216-L for logistics applications, including a demonstration of the firefighting vehicle at DriftX in Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, EHang has entered into agreements with major transportation companies in Hong Kong and Macau to promote its eVTOL services. A collaboration with China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company will create operational demonstration sites for low-altitude tourism and flight services in Zhuhai.
In Zhejiang Province, EHang delivered 27 EAVs to the Wencheng County Transportation Development Group, part of a broader deal to supply 300 EAVs for tourism development. The company has also conducted autonomous flights in Saudi Arabia, supported by various government agencies.
EHang’s electric aerial vehicles are designed for rapid battery charging, with expected charging times of under 10 minutes from 30% to 80%. The company recently showcased a synchronized flight of 12 EAVs in Hefei, China, highlighting its capabilities in coordinated UAV operations.
