Chinese autonomous aviation technology company EHang has announced the debut of commercial flight testing of its EH216-S aircraft across Guangzhou and Hefei.

The certified EH216-S aircraft have previously received Standard Airworthiness Certificates from China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC).

The flight testing was carried out at the Jiulong Lake Park in Guangzhou and the Luogang Central Park in Hefei. Several government officials and civilians from Guangzhou and Hefei were among the first to board the EH216-S.

According to EHang, the event featured officials from local governments, the CAAC, and various aviation companies demonstrating a strong interest in advanced air mobility.

Mr. Jie Chen, Standing Committee Member of Guangzhou Municipal Committee emphasised how the demonstrations will boost confidence across the aviation industry.

Jie Chen said: “As a local brand in Guangzhou and the world’s leading intelligent autonomous aerial vehicle technology company, EHang always adheres to innovation leadership and constantly explores the boundaries of the sky.

“In October this year, EHang successfully obtained the type certificate for its unmanned aerial vehicle, marking a global milestone in the development of the low-altitude economy. I believe that today’s debut commercial flight demonstration will greatly boost the confidence of the entire industry and lead its development onto the fast track.”

The EH216-S was delivered to ETON, an intelligent aviation technology firm of Guangzhou Development District Communications Investment Group and is currently operating at Jiulong Lake.

Alongside the agreement, Guangzhou Development District Communications Investment Group and Guangzhou Industrial Investment Capital announced their intention to establish an Industry Venture Capital Fund with a target fund size of RMB 10bn.

The second demonstration which was held at Luogang Central Park is noted as "an ideal commercial operation site for EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft", boasting 12.7 square km.

Following the successful launch of the first eVTOL flight route in Luogang Central Park, the Hefei government intends to work with EHang to expand aerial tourism flight routes and services to additional places in Hefei, including Swan Lake.

The Nasdaq-listed company has made recent strides in progress in air mobility which included inaugurating its first European UAM centre in November 2023.