Aviation News – EHang has completed a landmark pilotless eVTOL flight across China’s Qiongzhou Strait, sharply cutting regional travel times and showcasing low-altitude mobility potential.
The EH216-series aircraft flew autonomously from Haikou in Hainan Province to Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province, demonstrating how electric vertical takeoff and landing technology could transform short-distance transport.
The flight took place on December 31, 2025, covering 22 kilometers between Nanhai Mingzhu Island in Haikou City and Xuwen Port in Zhanjiang City. Developed by Chinese urban air mobility company EHang, the aircraft completed the journey in 18 minutes, compared with the usual 60 to 90 minutes required by ferry. The demonstration supports coordinated low-altitude mobility development between Hainan and Guangdong Provinces and marks a key validation step for over-water operations.
The EH216-series is a fully autonomous, pilotless eVTOL designed for short-range passenger transport. Using distributed electric propulsion and vertical takeoff capability, it bypasses ground congestion and maritime delays, delivering point-to-point efficiency. The successful bolt across open water highlights system reliability, navigation precision, and operational readiness for coastal and island routes.
