On September 16, 2024, the EH216-S pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) received a Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate (CAVE) from the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC). It plans to conduct tests and trial flights in Brazil to showcase the EH216-S’s advanced pilotless flight technology and cluster management system.
Following an exhaustive and detailed review process, including technical document assessments and inspections of the aircraft and ground control stations, the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil granted the EH216-S a trial flight permit. Under the scope of the CAVE issued by ANAC, EHang will collaborate with local partner and operator Gohobby, working closely with ANAC and the Brazilian Airspace Control Department (DECEA) to conduct EH216-S tests and trial flights in Brazil. These initiatives aim to advance the development of operational concepts and Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) systems and services, promoting the safe and efficient growth of urban air mobility in Brazil.
EHang is committed to fostering international cooperation and development of advanced air mobility globally, working closely with civil aviation authorities worldwide. The company and these regulatory bodies aim to jointly advance the airworthiness certification of the EH216-S in other countries, sharing leading technology and expertise in the safe operation of eVTOL aircraft.
EHang’s EH216-S has received the world’s first type certificate, production license, and standard airworthiness certificate in the global eVTOL industry. These certifications, issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), attest to the EH216-S’s compliance with design, production, and quality management standards, officially approved by CAAC for commercial operations.
Brazil and China have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen their partnership in civil aviation, aiming to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the airworthiness certification process. In August 2024, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) revised and signed bilateral airworthiness implementation procedures to facilitate the approval and import/export of civil aviation products between the two countries. They also agreed on a cooperation roadmap to promote and deepen collaboration in airworthiness certification, focusing on new aircraft certification, legislation, and training.
Regarding the certification of the EH216-S eVTOL in Brazil, CAAC and ANAC are currently discussing the regulatory model adopted by the design country and the applicable regulatory framework for operating this new type of aircraft system in Brazil.
EHang has maintained close contact with ANAC, engaging in detailed discussions about the EH216-S eVTOL standards, certification processes, and applicable regulations for operation in Brazil. In November 2023, a delegation from ANAC, accompanied by CAAC, visited EHang’s headquarters in Guangzhou, China, to gain firsthand insight into EHang and its UAM technology platform. During the visit, EHang’s Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Huazhi Hu, showcased the EH216-S aircraft, its type certificate, advanced operational experience, and discussed how EHang can contribute to Brazil’s vision and plans for developing advanced air mobility.
Ms. Victoria Xiang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang Europe and Latin America, said, “We are delighted to have obtained the Experimental Flight Authorization Certificate from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency, and look forward to conducting the first EH216-S pilotless eVTOL flight in the country in the near future. EHang will continue to work closely with ANAC, as well as other civil aviation authorities around the world, to develop and deploy safe UAM around EHang’s certified EH216-S passenger-carrying pilotless eVTOL with accessibility for all.”
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