By Zhao Yu

On August 15, an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) completed its first passenger flight from China Fishing Village in Xiangshan County, Ningbo.

The EH216-S, powered entirely by electric motors, can take off and land vertically without requiring a licensed pilot, flying autonomously along preset routes with no takeoff/landing pads needed. It holds broad potential for urban air mobility, tourism, and logistics, while also driving the development of the low-altitude economy.

The two-seat aircraft features a fuselage width of 5.73 meters, an eight-axis, 16-propeller configuration, and a height of 1.93 meters. It is designed to reach a maximum speed of 130 kilometers per hour, with a range of 30 kilometers and a maximum flight time of 25 minutes.

"We check all parameters before each flight. Tourists only need to board, enjoy the scenery, and take photos. The preset route ensures safety," said Zheng Liangchen, senior operations manager of EHang Greater China.

During the demonstration, passengers flew over the picturesque Shipu Harbor. "I was nervous at first, but once airborne, it felt as stable as being on the ground. Looking down, the view of coastline was truly majestic," one passenger shared.

Tourists marveled at the high-tech experience. When they learned the aircraft was fully autonomous and capable of vertical take-off and landing, they immediately pulled out their phones to take photos and record videos.

"This inaugural flight marks Xiangshan tourism's shift toward more novel experiences," said a representative from the Xiangshan County Tourism Group. "As the low-altitude economy develops, Xiangshan plans to offer not just coastal destinations but also aerial tours, empowering our seaside tourism with the latest technology."