Urban air mobility developer EHang has tested its EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft in central Bangkok. The aircraft completed its first passenger flights in Thailand at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. With the permission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Ehang plans to conduct flight tests on EH216-S in Thailand and launch commercial flight operations in various regions such as Phuket and Koh Samui by 2025.

EHang conducted passenger flights for three consecutive days at the Thailand Drone Exhibition and Symposium 2024, with a Demonstration Flight Permit issued by CAAT.

The EH216-S is capable of vertical take-off and landing. This eliminates need for traditional airport runways. It can conduct point-to-point air transportation in city centres, alleviating Thailand’s ground traffic congestion.

Thailand is a country with many islands and tourism resources. Traditional water transportation methods are time-consuming, and the application of EH216-S can provide efficient and accessible island-hopping air transportation services, meeting demands for transportation solutions in the tourism industry.

The CAAT plans to open flight tests for certified eVTOLs in various locations in Thailand, and in 2025, will target to open commercial flight operations for certified eVTOLs in certain areas, such as Phuket and Koh Samui, to jointly promote the nation’s opening of low-altitude airspace and air mobility market.

Mr Suttipong Kongpool, Director of the CAAT, stated: “This demo flights marks significant progress in integrating UAM solutions into Thailand’s aviation industry. EHang’s EH216-S is currently the world’s only eVTOL with airworthiness certificates, and we look forward to its commercial flight operations in certain areas of Thailand next year, which will serve as significant contribution to Thailand’s UAM roadmap development plan.”

Mr Conor Yang, CFO of EHang, stated, “The debut passenger flights of our EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Thailand is a key milestone in EHang’s ongoing international development and that is a strong boost in promoting the transformation of global advanced urban air mobility. We aim to apply our pilotless eVTOL products and solutions in the Southeast Asian market. In the future, with the strong support of the CAAT, we will cooperate with our local partners to formulate a model for regular UAM operations in Thailand, contributing to the development of the urban air mobility market in Southeast Asia and worldwide.”