China to launch eVTOL aircraft programs in six pilot cities

(ECNS) -- China is set to launch electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft projects in six pilot cities, an industrial insider has said at 2024 International Electric Aviation Forum in Kunshan on Monday.

The six pilot cities have tentatively been identified as Hefei, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing, insiders told The Beijing News.

eVTOL aircraft, commonly referred to as "air taxis" , is a key component of the low-altitude economy.

A representative from the Shenzhen Drone Association told The Beijing News that eVTOL is expected to play a greater role in urban air transportation, logistics, and emergency rescue, driving the development of China's low-altitude economy.

Industry insiders noted that air traffic management is central to the low-altitude economy. With the rollout of eVTOL pilot projects, a new management mechanism for low-altitude airspace is expected to take shape.

Some analysts predict that once eVTOL aircraft receive airworthiness certification, their flight altitude will likely range between 300 and 600 meters.

Civil aviation expert Guo Jia noted that the scope of the low-altitude economy has various interpretations. Among them, 600 meters is the altitude most eVTOL aircraft can currently achieve. Therefore, designating airspace below 600 meters as the operational range for pilot cities reflects a cautious and steady approach. Considering that most of pilot cities are located on flat terrain, 600 meters is sufficient to cover the height of the tallest buildings. This makes airspace below 600 meters an ideal altitude range.

A representative from the Shenzhen Drone Association stated that details of the pilot programs, including implementation plans, route planning, operation modes, and safety supervision measures for each pilot city, have not yet been disclosed. It is expected that more detailed information will be released by the relevant authorities once the pilot programs are officially launched.