EHang launches advanced air traffic sandbox programme in Thailand to accelerate global commercialisation of eVTOL aircraft operations

EHang, the world-leading advanced air mobility (AAM) technology enterprise, today announced the launch of Thailand's AAM Sandbox Programme in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and local partners. This initiative aims to accelerate the commercial operation of the EH216-S unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Thailand, striving to establish the world's first commercial eVTOL operation model through an innovative regulatory sandbox approach. Today, the EH216-S commenced continuous trial operations within Bangkok's inaugural sandbox zone, with plans to expand to additional sandbox areas across Thailand in the future.

At today's launch ceremony, the EH216-S successfully completed a series of point-to-point autonomous flights, demonstrating stable and reliable performance that fully showcased its integrated flight control system and exceptional operational reliability. Senior officials from Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Transport, alongside representatives from key industry partners including Aerial Sea Ventures, Energy Absolute, Amita Technology, G Capital, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, Bangkok Airways, VietJet Air, and Malaysia's Tahira Group, attended and witnessed the EH216-S's commercial operational feasibility within the sandbox zone.

On the same day, EHang Intelligent held a technical meeting with officials from the Thai Civil Aviation Authority, providing a detailed presentation on the EH216-S's safety architecture, its integrated unmanned aircraft system traffic management solution, risk assessment framework, and flight testing methodology. This multi-party collaboration marks a pivotal step in Thailand's sandbox zone model for advancing regulatory approvals of eVTOL commercial operations. Under the plan, EHang's local partners will provide crucial support ranging from infrastructure to operational teams. The sandbox zone is slated for expansion to multiple Thai regions including Pattaya, Koh Larn, Phuket, and Koh Samui, with plans to develop additional aerial sightseeing routes and air traffic services.