HKG Times

Hong Kong's Finance, Tourism, and Technology
HK Innovates

China Grants Approval for Commercial Flying Taxi Operations

China Grants Approval for Commercial Flying Taxi Operations

EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines receive air operator certificates to begin passenger drone services.
China has made a significant advancement in the establishment of a commercial flying taxi industry by granting regulatory approvals to two companies for the operation of autonomous passenger drones.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued air operator certificates to EHang Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed firm, and Hefei Hey Airlines.

This development marks a milestone in the regulatory landscape for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the country.

The granted air operator certificates enable both companies to commence commercial passenger services, which include urban sightseeing tours utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles.

This approval follows the companies' successful acquisition of necessary certifications, including the type certificate, production certificate, and airworthiness certificate, underscoring a comprehensive evaluation process prior to their operational launch.

According to a report by Citic Securities, the initiation of low-altitude tourism services represents the starting point for this nascent industry, with EHang’s sightseeing tours expected to facilitate further advancements within the sector.

In recent months, Beijing has undertaken a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting the development of the low-altitude economy, a sector encompassing a range of technologies such as delivery drones, blimps, and flying cars.

This strategic focus aligns with China’s broader goals of fostering innovation and enhancing its standing in emerging aviation technologies.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Hong Kong’s Sewage Surveillance Programme Wins HKIE Innovation Legacy Award
Red Flags Raised at Multiple Hong Kong Beaches Due to Rough Sea Conditions
Yellow Fire Danger Warning Issued in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Government Condemns New US Tariffs on Goods and Postal Items
Hong Kong and Dutch Customs Authorities Hold Talks to Strengthen Cooperation
Hong Kong Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Continues Official Visit to Beijing
Hong Kong Government Hosts Seminar on Key Outcomes of China's 'Two Sessions'
Hong Kong Police Seek Public Assistance to Locate Missing Elderly Woman
Passenger Imprisoned in Hong Kong for Importing Illegal Cigarettes and Alternative Smoking Products
Hong Kong Implements Extensive Road Closures for Triathlon Event
Johnny Leung Appointed as New Commandant of Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
Hong Kong Launches Seat Belt Safety Campaign for High-Speed Ferry Passengers
Hong Kong Monetary Authority Warns of Fraudulent HSBC Website and Banking Login
Hong Kong Immigration Department Arrests Sixteen in Anti-Illegal Worker Raids
Worldwide Reactions to U.S. Tariffs: Varied Responses from Key Economies
Hong Kong Health Bureau Clarifies Impact of Tobacco Control Measures on Tourism
Deadline Approaching for 'Ablaze with Glory' Photo Competition Entries
Special Traffic Arrangements Implemented for Happy Valley Race Meeting on April 2
Red Flags Hoisted at Shek O and Big Wave Bay Beaches Due to High Waves
Extreme Fire Risk Declared Amid Heightened Penalties for Illegal Outdoor Fires
Huge Blaze Breaks Out in Malaysia Following a Gas Pipeline Leak
OpenAI Attains Unprecedented $40 Billion Investment
Hong Kong Deposits Rise While Loans Edge Down in February
Hong Kong Sees Modest Rise in Mortgage Activity in February
HKMA Releases Latest Data on International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity
Exchange Fund Assets Decline by HK$102.9 Billion in February 2025
HKMA Issues Alert on Fraudulent Website Impersonating HSBC
HKMA Issues Alert on Suspicious Website Impersonating Tai Sang Bank
Hong Kong Reports One New Case of Legionnaires' Disease
Hong Kong Government Reports HK$92.3 Billion Deficit for First 11 Months of FY 2024–25
Hong Kong Retail Sales Experience Significant Decline in February 2025
Hong Kong Maintains Import Ban and Testing Measures on Japanese Aquatic Products Amid Fukushima Water Discharge
Hong Kong Correctional Services Hosts Anti-Drug Performance at Stanley Prison
Hong Kong Dollar Effective Exchange Rate Index Records Slight Decline
Hong Kong Government Announces Appointments to Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee
Hong Kong Government Announces New Appointments to the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education
Hong Kong Opens Applications for Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme 2025-26
Hong Kong Public Swimming Pools to Reopen for 2025 Season Starting April 1
Hong Kong Announces Lifesaving Services for 22 Gazetted Beaches Starting April 1
Investigation Initiated into Air Traffic Control Incident at Hong Kong International Airport
Preliminary Report Released on Paraglider Accident in Ma On Shan
Hong Kong Releases Preliminary Report on Serious Air Incident Involving Two Cargo Aircraft
Hong Kong Highlights Role in Global Advanced Manufacturing at Laservall Event
Postal Services to Slovakia Delayed Due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Control Measures
Public Advised to Avoid Sham Wan Restricted Area During Green Turtle Nesting Season
Hong Kong Public Library Opening Hours Announced for Ching Ming Festival and Easter
Missing Person in Tsuen Wan Found Safe
Postal Services to Korea Resume Normal Operations After Wildfire Disruptions
Postal Services to Thailand Affected by Earthquake-Related Delays
Hong Kong Announces Appointments to Advisory Committee on Gifted Education
×