Viral video of chinese flying texis.

China has made significant strides in the development and commercialization of flying taxis, particularly through the advancement of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. As of April 1, 2025, the country has officially entered the era of autonomous flying taxis, marking a milestone in its "low-altitude economy." This term refers to economic activities involving airspace below 3,000 meters, including drones, flying taxis, and other aerial vehicles.

Certification of flying texi.

Two companies, EHang Holdings and Hefei Hey Airlines, have recently received air operator certificates from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This approval, granted on March 31, 2025, allows them to operate autonomous passenger drones commercially for the first time. EHang, a Nasdaq-listed company, has been a pioneer in this space. Its EH216-S model, a fully electric, pilotless two-seater with 16 propellers, received a production certificate in April 2024, making it the first eVTOL vehicle globally to achieve this status. The EH216-S has a cruising speed of 100 km/h (about 62 mph) and can reach a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). It’s designed for short-range urban uses like air taxi services, aerial tourism, airport shuttles, and cross-island transport.

Where will this flying taxi fly.

These flying taxis are expected to start with urban sightseeing tours in cities like Hefei and Guangdong, though exact launch dates for regular commercial flights remain unclear as of now. The approval follows years of testing—EHang, for instance, conducted nearly 4,000 test flights since 2017. The technology promises to cut travel times significantly; for example, a 50 km journey that takes two hours by car could be reduced to 20 minutes by air.

Factory and manufacturing.

Beyond EHang, other Chinese companies like Xpeng are also in the game. Xpeng AeroHT is working on a unique "Land Aircraft Carrier," a modular flying car that combines a road vehicle with a detachable two-person eVTOL. Xpeng plans to mass-produce up to 10,000 units annually by 2026 at a new factory in Guangzhou, backed by a $413 million investment. Their CEO, He Xiaopeng, predicts the global flying car market could hit $2 trillion in the next two decades.

China’s push into flying taxis is part of a broader strategy to dominate the low-altitude economy, projected to be worth 1.5 trillion yuan ($200 billion) by 2025 and potentially 2.5 trillion yuan by 2035. This includes not just passenger drones but also delivery drones and other aerial technologies. The government has been proactive, establishing policies and infrastructure to support this sector, though challenges remain, such as developing regulations for urban airspace and ensuring safety.

Conclusion!

In short, China’s flying taxis are no longer a sci-fi dream—they’re becoming a practical reality, with commercial operations starting soon, led by innovators like EHang and Xpeng. The focus is on autonomy, efficiency, and urban mobility, positioning China as a global leader in this emerging field.