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Pilotless air taxi takes off from Bangkok - revolutionizing Thailand's air mobility!
EHang starts testing the pilotless eVTOL EH216-S in Bangkok. Goal: Expand the AAM market offering in Thailand by 2025.
Pilotless air taxi takes off from Bangkok - revolutionizing Thailand's air mobility!
The aviation industry in Thailand is currently experiencing an exciting development that could also be of great interest to the population. EHang Holdings Limited has launched aAAM Sandbox Initiativeannounced, launched together with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and local partners. The aim of this initiative is to expand the commercial applications of theEH216-S, a pilotless eVTOL aircraft. The first test flights in Bangkok have already started successfully, during which the aircraft completed autonomous point-to-point flights with stable performance, reports EHang.
Particularly notable were the presence of senior officials from CAAT and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) as well as key industry partners during these test flights. The discussions included technical details on security architecture and risk assessments, showing how seriously this project is being taken. There are also plans to expand the sandbox areas to other tourist hotspots such as Pattaya, Koh Larn, Phuket and Koh Samui. Thailand is considered a particularly strategically important market for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), primarily because of its strong service and tourism industries as well as its dense cities and associated traffic congestion.
First passenger flights and international cooperation
But EHang is not the only one active in Thailand. Another company, SkyDrive from Japan, is also joining the discussion on eVTOL flight operations. This company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with various Thai partners to explore opportunities for eVTOL services. SkyDrive has already held discussions with CAAT and Bangkok Airways to consider possible locations such as Si Racha and Koh Samui. A visit by CAAT to Japan to observe SkyDrive's flight demonstrations is also being discussed AAM-ME reported.
EHang is now not only active in test flights, but has already carried out the first passenger flights with the EH216-S under the approval of CAAT. These flights were approved under a demonstration permit and even included aviation industry executives, including a representative from Bangkok Airways. According to reports from The Register The EH216-S is the only eVTOL in the world to have airworthiness certificates, underlining its future in this industry.
This is something to look forward to
With the first commercial flights already planned by the end of 2025 in destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui, air mobility in Thailand is clearly entering a new era. The concept of the EH216-S allows a cruising speed of 100 km/h with a maximum range of 30 km. The price for this innovative aircraft is $410,000 – a good deal considering the future of urban aviation. EHang has also announced that it will use the model established in Thailand as a template for other markets in Southeast Asia, which offers great opportunities for the entire region.
The developments surrounding advanced air mobility clearly show that Thailand is more than just a tropical vacation destination. With innovative approaches and international cooperation, the country could soon become a significant player in the field of urban air mobility.