Chinese eVTOL aircraft developer EHang has conducted its first passenger-carrying demonstration flight in Africa, the company announced on September 5. According to EHang, the two-seat EH216-S aircraft is the first eVTOL air taxi to fly on the continent.
EHang flew the EH216-S during the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, on September 4 and 5. The Guangzhou-based company conducted the demonstration flights in collaboration with Rwanda’s Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and the China Road and Bridge Corporation.
The two occupants on board the pilotless aircraft during the demonstration flight were Melissa Rusanganwa, manager of international cooperation at RCAA, and Li Xueweu, a journalist with China Media Group. Along with Paul Kagame, the president of Rwanda, several dignitaries attended the demonstration, including infrastructure minister Jimmy Gasore, RCAA director general Silas Udahemuka, and Chinese ambassador Wenqi Gao.
EHang, which was the first and only eVTOL manufacturer in the world to earn a type certificate, has now demonstrated the EH216-S in 21 countries across five continents. “With over 73,000 safe flights already completed, this first human-carrying flight in Africa demonstrates EHang's outstanding technical capabilities and robust system safety, making an important step in accelerating our global expansion,” commented EHang chief engineer Rucheng Lu.
“Starting with the Aviation Africa Summit, EHang will continue to engage with African airlines, airports, civil aviation authorities, industry organizations, and aviation professionals, exploring innovative models and providing solutions that promote the development of Africa's transportation, logistics, tourism, and other sectors, and contribute to the better development of global new civil aviation.”
On September 5, EHang announced a new partnership with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) that the company says will support its global expansion, including into the African market.
“By leveraging CRBC’s expertise and extensive resources in global infrastructure—including roads, ports, and airports—we will foster the development and application of integrated transportation networks and diverse low-altitude flight scenarios,” said EHang chief operating officer Zhao Wang. “At the same time, CRBC’s strong international business network and rich project experience will enable us to jointly advance the international certification of eVTOLs and related commercial operation standards.”