A New Era in Aviation: China Approves Passenger Drones

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued the first batch of operational qualification certificates for unmanned civil aircraft (drones) designated for passenger transport. These certificates were granted to two companies from the Guangdong and Anhui provinces, marking the official launch of the manned era in China’s low-altitude aviation economy.

These certifications allow qualified companies to provide passenger transport services within approved operational zones, including low-altitude urban air tourism.

Notably, the EH216-S aircraft, developed by EHang, has already obtained type, production, and airworthiness certificates. Two subsidiaries of EHang received the newly issued operational certificates, following the completion of over 64,000 successful test flights, according to Xinhua News Agency.

This move aligns with China’s efforts to advance manned low-altitude air tourism and expand civil unmanned aviation experiences across the country.