In Hefei, China, residents may soon be able to “hail a flying ride” like a taxi using eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft). At Luogang Park, Hefei HeYi Aviation has been testing its EH216-S aircraft, capable of manned flights and unmanned operation, with ticket machines already in place for future commercial use.

The EH216-S is the world’s first eVTOL with all three key certifications—type certificate, airworthiness certificate, and production certificate—and recently obtained the operational certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, clearing the way for commercial flights.

Hefei aims to build a low-altitude transport network with over 30 eVTOL hubs across the city, including 3-minute flight zones and 15-minute aerial routes connecting major transport and tourist areas. The city has already attracted over 300 low-altitude economy companies and more than 200 drone routes for medical delivery, inspections, and logistics.

With advanced technology and supportive policies, Hefei is positioning itself as a leader in China’s low-altitude economy, turning flying rides from science fiction into a potential daily reality.