Chinese urban air mobility (UAM) company EHang has completed the first successful flight of its EH216-S pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Mexico.

This is the first flight of this aircraft type in Mexico, and expands EHang’s global presence for the EH216-S, bringing its flight to the 19th country. With its densely populated cities, vibrant tourism sector and established manufacturing industry, Mexico provides a promising environment for the growth of advanced air mobility (AAM).

The flight was completed following the granting of a Special Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S unmanned aircraft system (UAS) by Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). The operational authorisation process was rigorous and detailed, including technical document reviews, airworthiness inspections, operations manual approval, crew training and licensing, and compliance with aviation safety and operational standards in Mexico.

This achievement was made possible through coordination between Mexico’s AFAC, EHang, and its local partner, Air Mobility. Air Mobility will continue to work alongside EHang to drive the growth of Mexico’s AAM industry and lay a foundation for future eVTOL commercial operations.

“At Air Mobility, we are dedicated to bringing innovative and sustainable advanced air mobility to the people in Mexico,” said Cristina Lara, CEO of Air Mobility (airmobility.com.mx). “We are thrilled to collaborate with EHang, the global leader in UAM, and work closely with AFAC to achieve this successful first flight. This is a significant step in realising our vision of sustainable, safe and efficient air mobility in Mexico.”

Victoria Jing Xiang, chief operating officer of EHang in Europe and Latin America, added: “This successful first flight of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Mexico marks a milestone in the development of urban air mobility. Mexico’s proactive approach to innovation and regulation makes it an ideal place for the operation of pilotless eVTOL aircraft. This achievement demonstrates EHang’s firm commitment to advancing safe, efficient and sustainable aerial mobility globally. In the future, we will expand operations to more Latin American countries, expanding this safe, advanced, and sustainable air mobility to more cities, benefiting the people in Mexico, Latin America, and improving our lives.”

The collaboration between AFAC and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) continues to strengthen. In August 2023, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding covering areas such as environmental protection, operational safety, capacity building and the regulation of unmanned aircraft systems. Through this partnership, Mexico is accelerating the adoption of pilotless eVTOL aircraft technology and advanced aviation.

This flight marks the beginning of UAM in Mexico and promotes the growth of the country’s low-altitude economy. By integrating pilotless eVTOL aircraft into Mexico’s airspace, EHang (www.ehang.com) and its partners say they are helping shape the future of urban transportation, providing safe, sustainable and efficient air mobility for cities, businesses and tourists.