EHang Makes History: First Pilotless Air Taxi Flight in Africa with EH216-S
"EHang and CRBC partner to expand eVTOL air taxis worldwide. Rwanda hosts Africa’s first pilotless passenger flight, marking a new era in air mobility."
EHang and CRBC Partner to Expand Autonomous Air Mobility Worldwide
EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), a global leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, announced on Friday a strategic partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The collaboration is designed to accelerate the rollout of autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) and the supporting infrastructure across international markets.
The agreement brings together EHang’s expertise in developing pilotless eVTOL aircraft with CRBC’s proven capabilities in large-scale engineering and construction. Together, the companies aim to foster growth in the low-altitude economy, a sector seen as critical for future transportation and urban connectivity.
First Passenger-Carrying Pilotless Flight in Africa
In a separate milestone, EHang revealed that its EH216-S model completed the first-ever passenger-carrying, pilotless flight in Africa. The demonstration took place during the 9th Aviation Africa Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda, with support from CRBC and authorization by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA).
The historic flight drew global attention, with dignitaries including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore, RCAA Director General Silas Udahemuka, and China’s Ambassador to Rwanda Wenqi Gao in attendance. Delegates from over 50 countries witnessed the showcase, and several officials, regulators, and journalists participated in live demonstration flights.
This achievement expands the EH216-S’s footprint to 21 countries across five continents, underlining its growing role in pioneering autonomous air mobility.
Africa: A Promising Market for Aerial Innovation
EHang executives stressed that Africa’s unique geography and transportation challenges position the continent as a high-potential market for aerial mobility solutions. Pilotless aircraft can help bridge connectivity gaps, ease transportation difficulties, and stimulate economic growth in underserved regions.
President Kagame praised the flight as a turning point for Africa’s low-altitude aviation sector, describing it as an innovation that could reshape the region’s transportation landscape.
Ambassador Gao highlighted the successful demonstration as a reflection of deepening China-Rwanda cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Meanwhile, Minister Gasore emphasized Rwanda’s commitment to harnessing this breakthrough to build a modern, efficient aviation framework.
A Growing Legacy of Safe Flights
Qilin Huang, head of CRBC Rwanda, described the Kigali showcase as an example of China’s technological advancements making a tangible impact in Africa. Supporting this view, EHang’s Chief Engineer Rucheng Lu noted that the company has already conducted over 73,000 safe test flights worldwide, reinforcing the EH216-S’s track record for reliability and safety.
With its combination of innovative technology and global partnerships, EHang is positioning itself at the forefront of the next era in aviation — one defined by autonomous, eco-friendly, and accessible air mobility.
