China issues 1st batch of passenger drone operation certificates

Two Chinese companies have obtained the operation certificate for autonomous passenger drones from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), marking that China has entered the commercial operation stage of autonomous passenger drones, said CAAC Saturday.

The two certificates, the first batch of such operation certificates issued in China, were granted to Chinese drone makers EHang Holdings Limited in south China's Guangdong Province and Hefei Hey Airlines Co., Ltd. in east China's Anhui Province.

The operation certificate is used to confirm that the autonomous passenger drone meets the safety operation standards and operation requirements. The companies with an operation certificate can carry out commercial operations in approved areas, provide paid passenger services and other low-altitude economy-related services.

Citizens and consumers will be able to purchase tickets at the operating spots in Guangzhou and Hefei to experience low-altitude tours, city sightseeing and a variety of commercial passenger services. ■