EHang Holdings, a Chinese flying taxi company, has secured approval for flight tests of its EH216-S pilotless electric aerial vehicle (EAV) in Brazil. The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) of Brazil granted EHang the Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE), allowing the company to test and demonstrate its intelligent flight technology and cluster management system.
In partnership with local operator Gohobby, EHang plans to conduct flight test campaigns in collaboration with ANAC and Brazil’s Airspace Control Department (DECEA). These exercises aim to further develop concepts related to unmanned aircraft traffic management systems for efficient urban air mobility (UAM) in Brazil using the EH216-S eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle.
“We are delighted to have obtained the Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency and look forward to conducting the first EH216-S pilotless eVTOL flight in the country in the near future,” said Victoria Xiang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang Europe and Latin America. She added, “EHang will continue to work closely with ANAC, as well as other civil aviation authorities around the world, to develop and deploy safe UAM around EHang’s certified EH216-S.”
EHang has already received its Type Certificate, Production Certificate, and Standard Certificate of Airworthiness for the EH216-S from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. Additionally, China and Brazil have signed cooperation agreements to enhance their civil aviation partnership.
Recently, EHang delivered ten EH216-S pilotless eVTOLs to the Taiyuan Xishan Ecological Tourism Investment Construction Co. for local tourism initiatives. This delivery followed successful demonstrations of the EAV with passengers onboard. The EH216-S can carry two passengers and operates autonomously.
EHang also showcased its VT-30 long-range pilotless EH216-F, designed for firefighting, and the EH216-L for logistics applications. The firefighting vehicle features rockets on top to break windows during high-rise fires and is equipped with a large nozzle to deliver fire retardant liquid from a tank.
In Hong Kong, EHang has partnered with KC Smart Mobility Company to promote the operation of its eVTOL in various cities, including Macau. This agreement aims to utilize the EH216-S for travel services.
Furthermore, EHang signed an agreement with China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company to establish operation demonstration sites for low-altitude tourism and flight services at Zhuhai Jiuzhou Airport and Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. This collaboration will explore various use cases for pilotless eVTOL vehicles, including inter-island cargo transport, emergency response, and medical rescue services.
EHang has also engaged in low-altitude tourism initiatives, conducting demonstration flights in Wencheng, where it delivered 27 EAVs to the Wencheng County Transportation Development Group as part of a larger deal for 300 vehicles. Recently, EHang completed its maiden autonomous flight in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Front End Limited Company, supported by various Saudi governmental agencies.
With a plan to sell 50 flying vehicles to Xishan Tourism for $15 million, EHang continues to expand its footprint in the aerial mobility market. The company reports that battery charging times for its EAVs are expected to take less than ten minutes to charge from 30% to 80%. Additionally, EHang successfully conducted a coordinated flight of 12 EAVs together in Hefei, China, demonstrating its capabilities in group operations.
