EHang's Pilotless eVTOL Air Operator Certificate Application Accepted by CAAC

Core Viewpoint - EHang Holdings Limited has received formal acceptance from the Civil Aviation Administration of China for its Air Operator Certificate applications, marking a significant step towards the commercial operation of pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft [1][6]. Group 1: Regulatory Developments - The CAAC has accepted AOC applications from EHang General Aviation and Heyi Aviation, initiating the review process for pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicles [1]. - This acceptance is part of the world's first project for the OC of pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft, which aims to establish a commercial operation standard system [2]. - The CAAC has formed a specialized review team to facilitate the subsequent review process for the applicants' business license and operational qualifications [1]. Group 2: Industry Standards and Collaboration - EHang is collaborating with the CAAC to develop operational standards for the EH216-S, which will serve as a reference for the regulatory system for pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOLs [3]. - A group standard titled "Technical Requirements for eVTOL Aircraft Landing Sites," primarily drafted by EHang, has been released, providing guidelines for eVTOL landing site parameters [4]. - The CAAC has prioritized five key areas for the growth of China's low-altitude economy, including the development of UAV demonstration zones and airworthiness certification capabilities [5]. Group 3: Company Insights and Future Goals - EHang's CEO emphasized the significance of the acceptance of the world's first pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL OC application, indicating a major breakthrough for the civil aviation industry [6]. - The company has previously obtained the world's first type certificate, production certificate, and standard airworthiness certificate for its EH216-S eVTOL aircraft [8]. - EHang aims to make low-altitude economy accessible to the public through the establishment of a new operation system for pilotless aerial vehicles [6].