EHang Holdings Limited has completed the first public flight of its next-generation VT-35 autonomous passenger electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Feidong Bailong Airport.
The flight of the compound-wing aircraft validated the safety, stability, and reliability of the platform, which is specifically designed for medium- to long-range transportation scenarios. These applications include intercity, cross-sea, and mountainous routes, utilizing point-to-point connectivity and autonomous operation to evolve the city-to-city air mobility ecosystem.
This public debut follows the official establishment of the VT-35 series headquarters in Hefei and represents a substantive step toward airworthiness certification testing. The VT-35 is a major expansion of EHang’s product portfolio, aimed at diversifying applications beyond short-range urban flights.
In addition to passenger transport, EHang is collaborating with Hefei’s National Advanced Technology Center and the local Fire and Rescue Department on emergency response initiatives. This program centers on the EH216-F firefighting eVTOL and involves routine operational testing to develop scalable solutions for high-rise and forest firefighting. The company is also deploying its GD4.0 drone formation systems for aerial media and light shows to support regional cultural tourism.
Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, commented, “As a leading hub for low-altitude economy innovation in China, Hefei offers a strong industrial ecosystem and robust policy support. The first public flight of the VT-35 in Hefei not only highlights EHang’s technological capabilities and market recognition in advanced air mobility, but also signals that Hefei’s low-altitude economy has entered a critical stage of diversified development. Looking ahead, EHang will continue to leverage Hefei as a key strategic base, delivering high-quality products and services to support the high-quality development of China’s low-altitude economy.”
The partnership between EHang and the Hefei municipal government, initiated in 2023, has already seen the establishment of a regional headquarters and the routine operation of the EH216-S at local urban air mobility hubs. Moving forward, the collaboration aims to leverage local supply chain strengths to develop an eVTOL manufacturing base in the region.
