China Takes Flight: Flying Taxis Soar into Commercial Reality

Prompted and edited by Soraima, April 4, 2025

China has officially entered the future of transportation with the launch of its first commercially approved flying taxis. This week, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued air operator certificates to two trailblazing companies—EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines—marking a historic milestone in urban air mobility.

These autonomous passenger drones, or “flying taxis,” are poised to redefine short-distance travel, beginning with scenic routes in cities like Guangzhou and Hefei.

At the heart of this innovation is EHang’s EH216-S, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that’s been in development for over six years. The sleek, two-seat, pilotless vehicle can reach speeds of 81 mph (130 km/h) and travel up to 22 miles (35 km) on a single charge.

Equipped with 16 propellers and powered by a solid-state battery, it's built for short urban hops—perfect for aerial sightseeing or quick airport transfers. Tickets for low-altitude tourism flights are already on sale, offering passengers a breathtaking view of China’s vibrant urban landscapes (EHang X Post, March 30, 2025).

But this is more than a tech demo. It’s a key move in China’s push to lead the “low-altitude economy”—a rapidly growing sector that includes drones, air taxis, and other innovations operating below 1,000 meters. According to a Hurun report cited by the South China Morning Post, the market is projected to be worth $207 billion by the end of 2025, potentially expanding to $344 billion by 2035 (SCMP, April 1, 2025).

EHang and Hefei Hey Airlines are just the beginning. Other major players—such as Xpeng and Geely—are racing to join this aerial frontier. While U.S.-based firms like Joby Aviation and Archer are still in their testing phases, China has leapfrogged ahead with full commercial deployment. Notably, Saudi Arabia tested EHang’s technology for transporting Hajj pilgrims last November, but China is now the first to authorize flying taxis for public use (Interesting Engineering, April 2, 2025).

Safety remains a top priority. The CAAC’s certification process includes strict regulatory oversight to ensure all aircraft meet rigorous safety standards before carrying passengers. EHang confirmed its compliance in a statement to CNBC, noting that each vehicle undergoes multiple rounds of testing and inspection (CNBC, April 3, 2025).

What’s next? 

While tourism is the immediate focus, analysts say broader applications are on the horizon. Urban transport is a natural next step—one that could help alleviate traffic congestion in China’s sprawling megacities. According to The Economic Times, EHang’s plans to expand into cities like Shenzhen and Zhuhai are already in motion (Economic Times, April 1, 2025).

Meanwhile, global reaction has been swift and mixed. On social media, observers express both admiration and envy—some hailing China’s bold leadership, others urging their own governments to catch up.

For now, the skies above China are humming with new possibilities. Flying taxis are no longer the stuff of science fiction—they’re here, real, and ready for takeoff.

Sources:

1. EHang Holdings. "EHang’s EH216-S eVTOL Operators Obtain Air Operator Certificates." X Post, March 30, 2025. Link

2. South China Morning Post. "Flying taxis: China clears way for first companies to begin offering services." April 1, 2025. Link

3. Interesting Engineering. "World-1st flying taxi with 81 mph top speed approved for public use." April 2, 2025. Link

4. CNBC. "China’s cities may see ‘flying taxis’ as soon as three years, aviation company EHang predicts." April 3, 2025. Link

5. The Economic Times. "Flying taxis take off in China: Two companies get licenses for pilotless passenger drones." April 1, 2025. Link