EHang Launches AAM Sandbox Initiative in Thailand, Accelerating Path to Global Commercial eVTOL Operations

24 Oct 2025

EHang Holdings Limited (“EHang” or “the Company”), a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM) technology, has announced the launch of an AAM Sandbox Initiative in Thailand, in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and local collaborators.

The initiative is designed to accelerate the path toward commercial operations of EHang’s EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft in the country, aiming to establish the world’s first commercial eVTOL operations through an innovative regulatory “sandbox” framework.

Trial operations with the EH216-S have already begun successfully in Bangkok, marking the first sandbox area, with expansion to additional locations across Thailand planned in the near future.

At the launch event, the EH216-S successfully carried out a series of autonomous point-to-point flights with consistent stability, showcasing its advanced flight control systems and operational reliability.

The event was attended by senior representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Ministry of Transport (MOT), along with key industry partners such as Aerial Sea Ventures, Energy Absolute, Amita Technology, G Capital, China Harbour Engineering Company, Bangkok Airways, VietJet, and Tahira Group from Malaysia. Attendees witnessed firsthand the EH216-S’s readiness for commercial operations.

EHang held a technical meeting with CAAT officials, where the company presented the EH216-S’s comprehensive safety architecture, Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) integration, risk assessment framework, and flight-testing methodology. This multi-party collaboration under the Initiative marks an important milestone toward securing local regulatory approval for future commercial operations within Thailand’s sandbox areas.

Through the Initiative, EHang’s local partners will provide key operational support — including infrastructure and operational teams — while working to expand sandbox areas to Pattaya, Koh Larn, Phuket, Koh Samui, and other regions across Thailand to develop additional sightseeing flight routes and air transportation services.

Thailand, the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, represents a strategically important market for advanced air mobility (AAM). The nation’s robust service sector, thriving tourism industry, and proactive government initiatives supporting smart transportation and sustainable technologies create a strong foundation for AAM adoption. With densely populated cities and chronic traffic congestion, Thailand provides an ideal setting for urban air mobility solutions. Major hubs like Bangkok offer particularly high potential for air taxi services—a potential underscored last November when the EH216-S completed three days of successful passenger-carrying flights in central Bangkok, demonstrating its real-world readiness for commercial AAM operations.

"We are highly impressed with the cutting-edge technology and demonstrated safety of EHang’s EH216-S during these flights," said Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the CAAT. "At the CAAT, we are guiding Thailand’s transition into a new era of AAM, where safety and public trust remain our highest priorities. Through our 'prove it safe, then scale' approach, we have explored a clear path toward commercial operations, with the target of launching the world's first commercial eVTOL operation services within the next three months leveraging the Initiative. The future of AAM in Thailand will be safe by design, ambitious in vision, and realized through tangible action."

Mr. Panya Chupanit, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MOT of Thailand, stated, “The MOT is fully committed to advancing sustainable transportation, and the development of AAM technology—exemplified by EHang's innovative eVTOL solutions—is integral to this vision. We are working closely with partners across sectors to position Thailand as a regional AAM hub, in line with our national goals for carbon neutrality and smart, connected cities. "

Mr. Luong Pham of Aerial Sea Ventures remarked, "Today marks a historic day as we launch the future of transportation here in Thailand. With the EH216-S, we are entering an era where travel is measured in minutes, not hours, connecting waterways, islands and remote areas with unprecedented efficiency. With the strong support of the CAAT and MOT, we are now months—not years—away from commercialization in Thailand. We look forward to positioning Thailand as the regional hub for AAM across Southeast Asia."

Mr. Conor Yang, Chief Financial Officer of EHang, commented, “This demonstration showcased not only routine flight capabilities but also the core safety principles integral to our certified EH216-S aircraft. The AAM Sandbox Initiative in Thailand serves as a pivotal model for the region. Our goal is to leverage the operational and regulatory framework established here as a blueprint for expansion into other Southeast Asian markets, bringing safe, sustainable AAM to the wider region globally.”