EHang has successfully completed the debut flight of its pilotless electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, EH216-S, in Latin America. This flight was aimed at demonstrating the safety, accessibility, and environmental friendliness of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in the region.
The demonstration flight took place at the Reserva Conchal resort in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. The ceremony was attended by national authorities and media, and it aimed to showcase the benefits of AAM technology. The event highlighted how these sustainable and innovative means of transportation can contribute to the development and growth of countries, as well as improve the quality of life for citizens and visitors.
The event was organized in collaboration with Bluenest by Globalvia, Guanacaste Airport, and the hospitality division of FIFCO, with diversified investments and operations in Central and North America.
During the ceremony, EH216-S successfully completing its debut flight in Latin America for aerial sightseeing and intra resort transportation use cases. The demonstration showcased versatility of this aircraft for various applications such as airport to city and resort commuting, medical delivery services, and emergency response operations.
The EH216-S stands out in the eVTOL market due to its certified autonomous capabilities, which was a first-of-its-kind achievement. Even though it is highly versatile, like most eVTOLs, this air taxi, made in China, has its sights set on the aerial tourism market.
The primary objective is to revolutionize aerial sightseeing by providing emission-free and pilot-free flights. This could lead to a significant reduction in costs for this sector and offer a sustainable alternative in the long term.
Meanwhile, EHang’s partnership with the SAVI Cluster in Abu Dhabi has resulted in a major order for 100 aircraft, some of which will be used for logistics and firefighting, while others will be air taxis. The air taxi version of the EHang eVTOL is designed for short-range flights of up to 22 miles (35 km) at a maximum speed of 80.7 mph (130 kph) and can accommodate two passengers.
