China allows EHang to begin trials for flying taxi operations

The EH216-S, priced at 2.16 million yuan (US$300,000), can travel at about 100kph for 25 minutes, according to EHang. - Reuters

HONG KONG (Bloomberg): China gave EHang Holdings Ltd the go-ahead to begin trial air-taxi operations this year, a step toward the company’s goal of launching the world’s first commercial service using the futuristic battery powered craft.

EHang said its autonomous, two-passenger EH216-S secured the country’s first type certificate signifying airworthiness from regulators. That will allow the Guangzhou, Guangdong-based company to work with local partners and conduct aerial tours of scenic locations such as Tianchi Lake in Xinjiang province and OH Bay in Shenzhen, it said.