Shanghai (Gasgoo)- EHang, a global leader in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology, announced on March 1 via its WeChat account that it has successfully completed the flight of its EH216-S unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Benidorm, Spain. This marks Europe's first unmanned eVTOL flight in an urban environment, representing a major milestone in the region's UAM development.
The flight was conducted as part of the EU-funded U-Space European Common Deployment ("U-ELCOME") project, a key digital airspace initiative under the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking ("SESAR 3 JU"), which is coordinated by Eurocontrol and involves 51 partners from France, Italy, and Spain.
This demonstration showcased the seamless integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into controlled urban airspace. The flight took place within a designated U-Space environment, pioneering coordinated multi-drone operations. Alongside the EH216-S eVTOL model, 12 additional drones were simultaneously managed by Spain's air navigation service provider, Enaire, through its U-Space traffic management system, ensuring a safe and orderly air traffic environment. This milestone underscores the feasibility of autonomous aerial vehicle operations in urban settings, marking a significant step forward for Europe's U-Space development.
EHang's EH216-S flight in Benidorm was conducted under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency ("EASA") regulations, making it the first unmanned eVTOL flight in a European city. The demonstration validated the integration of unmanned aerial systems into urban environments within Europe's stringent safety regulatory framework, setting a precedent for future UAM deployments across the continent.
EHang emphasized that the successful flight in Benidorm proves unmanned eVTOL operations are no longer just a concept but an emerging reality. The milestone further advances the development of Advanced Air Mobility, aligning with the EU's vision of integrating drones and eVTOL aircraft into urban airspace within a regulated and scalable framework.
