EHang Completes First Pilotless eVTOL Flight in Switzerland

EHang has successfully completed the first pilotless flight of its EH216-S electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Switzerland, marking the country's entry into EHang's global network of autonomous flight demonstrations and becoming the 22nd country where the company's autonomous eVTOL technology has flown.

The milestone flight took place in Quinto, located in the canton of Ticino, where the EH216-S operated in the challenging environment of the Swiss Alps. According to EHang, the demonstration showcased the aircraft's capability to perform autonomous operations in mountainous terrain, highlighting the potential of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to improve regional connectivity and provide sustainable transportation alternatives in areas where traditional infrastructure may be limited.

The flight was conducted in close collaboration with the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and EHang's strategic partner DroneVia. The cooperation represents another step toward evaluating the safe integration of autonomous eVTOL operations within Switzerland's aviation ecosystem.

During the announcement, Victoria Xiang, Chief Operating Officer for Europe and Latin America at EHang, stated that the demonstration represents a responsible first step toward introducing pilotless Advanced Air Mobility in Switzerland, with potential applications in regional transportation, eco-tourism, and access to remote Alpine communities.

Paolo Franchini, Chief Executive Officer of DroneVia, highlighted that the demonstration introduced the EH216-S to Switzerland for the first time and could create new opportunities for logistics, tourism, and public services throughout Alpine regions.

Norman Gobbi, President of the Council of State of Ticino, emphasized that autonomous aviation could expand mobility options for mountain communities and improve access to hard-to-reach areas while supporting regional development.

The successful demonstration reinforces EHang's international expansion strategy as the company continues working with aviation regulators and industry partners to advance the commercialization of autonomous eVTOL operations worldwide.

The milestone is also significant for the broader Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, demonstrating continued progress in validating autonomous aircraft in increasingly complex operating environments. Mountainous regions present unique operational challenges, making successful demonstrations an important step toward future commercial deployment, regulatory certification, and expanded use cases including passenger transportation, tourism, emergency response, and regional mobility.