China Air Taxi:
The World's First Commercial eVTOL Network
China is the only country today with paid passenger eVTOL flights. EHang has held the world's first commercial type certificate since 2023 and operates revenue passenger services in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hefei. Shanghai is next.
What's happening in China right now
Three things separate China from every other major air-taxi market: a finished type certificate, paid passengers, and a clear list of next-launch cities.
- 1
EHang holds the world's only commercial eVTOL type certificate
China's CAAC issued the EH216-S Type Certificate in October 2023, followed by the Production Certificate and Air Operator Certificate. EHang is the only company on Earth currently allowed to sell tickets on a fully autonomous eVTOL. Read the certification story →
- 2
Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hefei are running paid passenger routes
These cities have permitted commercial passenger operations, beginning with Guangzhou and Hefei in late 2023. Routes today are short scenic loops; the regulatory pattern is the playbook every other country will copy. Operator profile →
- 3
Shanghai and new urban corridors are the next expansion targets
A Shanghai low-altitude corridor and Shenzhen's Futian CBD point-to-point network are the next named launches under China's national "low-altitude economy" push, moving beyond sightseeing toward true urban transport. AutoFlight's Matrix-1 is also scaling up demonstration flights from Shenzhen. Read more →
China launch map — EHang network + 2026 expansion
Hover or tap a city to see operator and launch window. Color shows launch tier.
- Tier 1 — Live / commercial 2026
- Tier 2 — Named 2026–2027 cities
- Tier 3 — Planning / 2028+
Tap a marker on mobile, or hover on desktop. Press Esc to dismiss. Map is illustrative; coordinates are approximate.
Tier 1 — Live commercial passenger service
Cities where you can buy a ticket on an autonomous eVTOL today.
Tier 2 — 2026–2027 commercial expansion
Cities named in China's national low-altitude economy plan with public 2026–2027 launch targets.
Tier 3 — Active planning & demonstration corridors
Cities with credible launch paths but later or demo-first timelines.
Beijing
BeijingDemonstration corridor planning
Operator: Multiple Chinese OEMs
Launch
2027+
Chengdu
SichuanInland low-altitude pilot
Operator: EHang + local partners
Launch
2027+
Hangzhou
ZhejiangTourism corridor proposal
Operator: EHang + tourism JVs
Launch
2027+
Wuhan
HubeiLogistics-first cargo eVTOL trials
Operator: AutoFlight + JD
Launch
2027+
Companies flying Chinese routes
| Company | Aircraft | Lead markets | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHang | EH216-S (autonomous, 2-seat) | Guangzhou, Hefei, Shenzhen | Commercial passenger ops live |
| AutoFlight | Matrix-1 / Prosperity I (5-seat) | Shenzhen, Shanghai | Type certification in progress |
| XPeng AeroHT | Land Aircraft Carrier (modular) | Guangzhou, Beijing demos | Pre-orders open 2026 |
Compare aircraft head-to-head: Joby S4 vs EHang 216 · EHang 216 vs Volocopter 2X
Featured Chinese routes — pre-reserve free
Most-requested launch corridors with vertiport pages and waitlists.
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) → Tianhe CBD
from ¥800View route & pre-reserve →
Shenzhen Bao'an (SZX) → Futian CBD
from ¥600View route & pre-reserve →
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) → Lujiazui
from ¥900View route & pre-reserve →
Hefei Xinqiao (HFE) → Downtown Hefei
from ¥500View route & pre-reserve →
Latest news — China
The stories powering China's commercial eVTOL lead.
FAQs
Can you actually buy a ticket on a Chinese air taxi today?
Yes. EHang holds China's CAAC commercial type certificate, production certificate, and air operator certificate, and has been carrying paid passengers on autonomous EH216-S flights in Guangzhou and Hefei since late 2023, with paid passenger service now live in Shenzhen too. Routes today are short scenic loops, but the legal status is the same as any commercial airline operation.
Why is China ahead of the US and Europe?
China's CAAC moved earlier and accepted autonomous (no on-board pilot) operation under a tightly bounded route framework. The US and Europe are still finalizing piloted-eVTOL operating rules (FAA Part 194 in the US, EASA SC-VTOL in Europe), which adds 12–24 months to commercial launch.
Which Chinese cities are next after Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hefei?
A Shanghai low-altitude corridor and Shenzhen's Futian CBD urban network are the named next expansion targets, followed by Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Wuhan demonstration corridors in 2027.
How do I pre-reserve a seat?
Pre-reservation is free with no obligation. Pick a Chinese launch city and you'll earn 100 Flight Credits and priority boarding when commercial expansion hits your city.
Be a founding member of China's eVTOL expansion
Pre-reservation is free with no obligation. Earn 100 Flight Credits and priority boarding when EHang or AutoFlight expands commercial service to your city.
Pre-reserve your seat