EHang VT35 Completes First Public Flight in Hefei, Advancing eVTOL Airworthiness Testing.

The EHang VT35 eVTOL successfully completed its first public flight demonstration. This event took place on December 28, 2025, at Hefei Bailong Airport. The flight marks a significant step for the pilotless passenger aircraft and China's growing low-altitude economy. It also signals a new phase of scaled and diversified implementation in the region.

This successful debut follows the model's unveiling in Hefei this past October. It advances technical validation and application scenarios for mid-to-long-distance travel. The progress lays a solid foundation for subsequent airworthiness testing and expansion.

The VT35: A New Long-Range eVTOL

The VT35 is the new-generation long-range aircraft from technology company EHang Intelligent Holdings Limited. It features a compound-wing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) design. The aircraft is primarily designed for intercity, cross-sea, and cross-mountain routes.

It boasts a fully loaded design range of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles). This range aims to advance the "urban–intercity" low-altitude ecosystem. The VT35 leverages autonomous operation and point-to-point direct service. Its compact size also allows compatibility with existing urban landing sites.

Advancing Airworthiness and Commercialization

The flight is a critical step in the airworthiness testing progress for the VT35. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) accepted the model’s Type Certificate application in March 2025. This process builds on EHang's prior regulatory success.

EHang's EH216-S model received the world's first Type Certificate for an unmanned eVTOL from the CAAC in October 2023. By April 2025, EHang secured Operation Certificates (OC) for commercial passenger operations in Hefei and Guangzhou. These steps highlight China's rapid certification pace in the Advanced Air Mobility sector. The VT35 is now undergoing rigorous testing to meet these high regulatory standards.

Hefei's Low-Altitude Economy Strategy

The public flight deepens the strategic cooperation between EHang and the city of Hefei. The two entities reached a cooperation agreement on the Hefei low-altitude economy in 2023. EHang subsequently established its East China regional headquarters in the city.

Hefei is actively supporting the industry's full-chain capabilities. This includes R&D, manufacturing, and airworthiness certification. The city is leveraging its industrial chain advantages to plan eVTOL manufacturing bases.

• Key Initiatives in Hefei:
  • Routine EH216-S operations are advancing at the Hefei Urban Air Mobility Hub.
  • The VT35 series product headquarters officially settled in Hefei in August 2025.
  • The city is strengthening cooperation with local enterprises to accelerate deployment.

This regional focus is crucial for the industry's growth. It provides a testing ground for future intercity air transport scenarios. For more commercial aviation news and updates on global eVTOL development, visit flying.flights. The successful flight validates EHang’s technology and Hefei’s role as a leading hub for low-altitude innovation.