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Monday, 31 August 2026dailybeirut.com
Miscellaneous
Hong Kong conducted its first trial flight of the EH216-S autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, partnering with local transport operator Kowloon Motor Bus and Cyberport, as part of efforts to develop urban air mobility by 2027.
Hong Kong carried out its inaugural test flight of an autonomous electric air taxi—the EH216-S—marking a step toward integrating urban air mobility into its transportation network. The demonstration aims to explore new options for passenger movement while addressing road congestion.
The flight took place Sunday from the Pok Fu Lam area, according to Russia’s Nauka TV channel, citing Chinese drone manufacturer EHang. The trial was conducted jointly with Kowloon Motor Bus, Hong Kong’s local public transport operator, and Cyberport, the city’s technology hub.
Kowloon Motor Bus plans to acquire 30 EH216-S units for passenger and cargo transport within Hong Kong, the company stated.
The EH216-S is a vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft constructed with a lightweight yet robust carbon-fiber airframe. Its maximum speed reaches approximately 130 kilometers per hour.
The aircraft operates without an onboard pilot, relying instead on an intelligent navigation system to plot flight routes. Real-time flight monitoring and control are managed remotely through ground-based command centers, reinforcing safety protocols.
Hong Kong authorities aim to finalize the regulatory and legislative framework for urban air mobility by 2027. Meanwhile, continued test flights are underway to gather operational data and assess aircraft performance in preparation for broader deployment of air taxi services.
