China’s EHang Is ‘Fast Tracking’ Autonomous Air Taxis Globally

New program seeks to accelerate introduction of uncrewed passenger aircraft in other countries.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

EHang’s EH216-S is the first passenger-carrying, pilotless eVTOL aircraft to obtain standard airworthiness certification from a regulator. [Credit: EHang]

Key Takeaways:

Chinese eVTOL manufacturer EHang, whose pilotless EH216-S is the world's first certified passenger-carrying eVTOL, launched a "Global Fast Track Program."
The program aims to accelerate the introduction of EHang's autonomous air taxis in other nations, leveraging its Chinese certifications to potentially reduce regulatory timelines from years to as little as four months, with Sri Lanka as the inaugural member.
This initiative highlights a competitive landscape, as U.S. officials are also pursuing global partnerships and pilot programs to advance American eVTOL technology, though the FAA has not yet certified any eVTOL aircraft.

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A Chinese manufacturer of autonomous eVTOL air taxis wants to help other nations evolve the technology from evaluation to introduction in as little as four months.

EHang—whose EH216-S earned the world’s first type certificate, production certificate, and standard airworthiness certificate for pilotless, passenger-carrying electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft—on Wednesday launched its “Global Fast Track Program,” naming Sri Lanka as its inaugural member.