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.
Photo credit: EHang
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.
