In an unprecedented event, the Chinese aviation technology company EHang introduced its EH216-S pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Thailand. This milestone occurred during the Thailand Drone Exhibition & Symposium 2024, positioning Thailand as the 18th nation to host EHang's cutting-edge eVTOL flights. Endorsed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), this advancement could revolutionise urban mobility for both tourists and locals, offering a novel way to navigate Thailand's urban landscapes and picturesque islands.

 

Over three days, spectators watched in awe as the EH216-S soared above Thai airspace, equipped with the necessary Demonstration Flight Permit from CAAT. The aircraft's ability to carry passengers without the need for traditional runways presents a promising solution to alleviate Thailand's notorious traffic woes and efficiently link its numerous islands.

 

EHang's Chief Financial Officer, Conor Yang, remarked on the significance of the event:

“The debut passenger flights of our EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Thailand is a key milestone in EHang’s ongoing international development and a strong boost in promoting the transformation of global advanced urban air mobility.”

 

 

Looking ahead, CAAT plans to push forward with further tests and aims to commence eVTOL commercial operations by 2025, targeting popular locations such as Phuket and Koh Samui. Suttipong Kongpool, Director of CAAT, shared his vision for Thailand's role in the urban air mobility (UAM) sector:

“EHang’s EH216-S is currently the world’s only eVTOL with airworthiness certificates, and we look forward to its commercial flight operations in certain areas of Thailand next year, which will serve as a significant contribution to Thailand’s UAM roadmap development plan.”

 

Backed by the CAAT and Ministry of Transport, EHang's pilotless eVTOL could offer a transformative approach to Thai air travel, turning remote destinations into accessible, scenic journeys.

 

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-12

 

 

Ssshhh...no one tell Donald Trump. He wanted to be the first..

15 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

and we look forward to its commercial flight operations in certain areas of Thailand next year

I await with baited breath  but not holding my breath  as I doubt it will materialise

for many many years 😋

I will wait for the first million commercial flights to take place before I decide to take a ride.

So now we can be 'run over' from the sky, not just on the roads or when crossing the road ...

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

pilotless

No thanks.

It brings a whole new meaning to "If I'm over your way I'll drop in to see you."

How far on 1 charge?

Google says 35Km so not that useful.

 

I'll wait for the VT-30 range 300Km.

5 hours ago, BritManToo said:

How far on 1 charge?

Google says 35Km so not that useful.

 

I'll wait for the VT-30 range 300Km.

Fear not. The output from the reinstated coal-fired power plants will fill the battery with a more powerful charge which could extend the range.