On March 28, 2025, Guangdong EHang General Aviation Co., Ltd. and Hefei Heyi Aviation Co., Ltd., along with their joint venture, Hefei HeYi Aviation Co., Ltd., made history by receiving the first Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) for passenger-carrying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This milestone marks the official beginning of the era of autonomous manned flight within China’s low-altitude economy. Thanks to this, consumers in cities like Guangzhou and Hefei can now purchase tickets for flight experiences, including aerial tourism and city tours.

What is an Air Operator Certificate (AOC)?

The AOC guarantees that the EH216-S aircraft meets the technical, management, and safety standards established by the CAAC. In addition, it authorizes certified operators to conduct legal commercial flights, providing paid passenger transportation services and developing use cases in low-altitude urban settings.

Differences between “Transportation of People” and “Transportation of Passengers”

According to CAAC regulations, “Transportation of Passengers” refers to regular commercial operations with established routes and schedules. “Transportation of People” refers to unscheduled commercial flights, transporting individuals other than crew and essential personnel, with tickets sold through channels designated by the provider.

Source and Credits to Ehang

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