China Grants First-Ever Certification for Autonomous Passenger Drones

China has approved the commercial operation of autonomous passenger drones for the first time, with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issuing Operator Certificates (OC) to two companies—EHang Holdings and Heyi Aviation.

The certification allows them to conduct passenger flights using pilotless aerial vehicles within approved airspace.

The move is a step toward integrating low-altitude aviation into China’s transportation network. EHang and Heyi Aviation will offer commercial passenger services in Guangzhou and Hefei, respectively. EHang announced plans to expand operations, establishing urban air mobility hubs for sightseeing and short-distance travel, with booking systems similar to ride-hailing apps.

EHang’s EH216-S, a fully autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has completed over 60,000 test flights and is the first in China to receive full regulatory certification. Industry analysts expect more companies to apply for similar approvals, accelerating the growth of China’s low-altitude economy. Officials estimate that widespread urban air mobility services could be operational in major Chinese cities within the next two to three years.

China’s low-altitude aviation sector is projected to reach a market value exceeding $137 billion by 2035, with increasing demand for eVTOL aircraft. The initiative is expected to support both domestic use and potential export to Belt and Road partner countries.