EHang EH216-S Conducts First Urban eVTOL Flight Under U-ELCOME Project in Europe

EHang (Nasdaq: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, announced a major milestone in the advancing UAM in Europe with the successful flight of its EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in the city of Benidorm, Spain. This is the first urban flight of a pilotless eVTOL aircraft in Europe.

The flight was conducted as part of the European Union's U-ELCOME (U-Space European Common Deployment) project, one of the flagship Digital Sky Demonstrators of the SESAR 3 JU. Coordinated by Eurocontrol, the initiative brings together 51 partners from France, Italy and Spain to advance implementation.

The event showcased the seamless integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions within a controlled urban airspace. Conducted in a specially designated U-Space environment, the flight marked a groundbreaking demonstration of multi-drone coordination. Alongside the EH216-S eVTOL, up to twelve additional drones operated simultaneously, all managed through  Spain´s Air Navigation Service Provider, Enaire, using its U-Space system and services to ensure a safe and harmonized air traffic environment. This milestone represents a significant step forward in U-Space development in Europe, demonstrating how multiple pilotless aircraft can operate safely and efficiently in urban environments.

The EH216-S flight in Benidorm, the first pilotless eVTOL aircraft demonstration in a European city under EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) regulations, marks a pivotal step in the future of urban aviation. This demonstration validates the feasibility of integrating unmanned aircraft systems into urban environments while in full compliance with stringent European safety and regulatory frameworks, and its success sets a precedent for future urban air mobility deployments across the continent.

This landmark demonstration was attended by government authorities, industry stakeholders, and media representatives, underscoring the growing momentum behind UAM adoption in Europe.

Patricia Hervias, Project Manager en EUROCONTROL emphasized "Benidorm air taxi and drones’ simultaneous demonstration, highlighted the capability of U-space services, enhancing emergency response and operational efficiency in complex urban environments. Through close cooperation with EASA, AESA, other national and international authorities, and Industry, U-ELCOME contributes to the consolidation of standardization and regulatory requirements for U-space services, accelerating their deployment and ensuring interoperability between U-space and traditional air traffic management systems."

Gonzalo Alonso, Head of International Business Development at ENAIRE, and leader of the Spanish U-ELCOME cluster, added “For the first time, the simultaneous operation of drones with an air taxi has been possible in a safe manner with multiple U-space Service Providers (USSP): ENAIRE, ITG and the UAB. It is one of the most advanced demonstrations in Europe.”

The event also marked the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between Benidorm’s City Hall and EHang, which  aims to advance Urban Air Mobility development in the region and position Benidorm as a pioneering city in next-generation aerial transportation and innovative tourism experiences.

The Collaboration Agreement was signed by Ms. Victoria Jing Xiang, EHang's COO for Europe and LatAm, and Mr. Antonio Pérez, Mayor of Benidorm

Mr. Antonio Pérez, Mayor of Benidorm, emphasized the significance of this event for the city's future, stating: “Benidorm is proud to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. The successful integration of Urban Air Mobility solutions represents a major step in our commitment to smarter, cleaner, and more efficient transportation systems. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with EHang, a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility, to make Benidorm a leader in next-generation mobility.”

Ms. Victoria Jing Xiang, EHang´s COO for Europe and LatAm, highlighted how this milestone is a key advancement, commenting: “These flights mark a major leap forward in integrating unmanned aircraft systems into urban environments. The successful operation of the EH216-S eVTOL, in coordination with multiple drones under a U-Space system, demonstrates the viability of safe, efficient, and sustainable Urban Air Mobility solutions. We are delighted to be part of the U-ELCOME project and to be working with Benidorm to advance the future of air transport.”

With this successful aerial demonstration in Benidorm, EHang further advances the development of AAM, proving that safe and scalable urban eVTOL operations are transitioning from concept to reality. This initiative aligns with the European Union’s broader efforts to establish a comprehensive regulatory and operational framework for the seamless integration of drones and eVTOLs into urban environments.