VIDEO: EHang launches AAM Sandbox Initiative in Thailand, to fast-track future commercial operations of its EH216-S eVTOL aircraft

EHang and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand have announced an Advanced Air Mobility Sandbox Initiative, where it aims to fast-track the future commercial operations of EHang’s EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft in the country

In a press release issued earlier this week, EHang said continuous trial operations with its EH216-S have already begun at the first sandbox area in Bangkok, with plans to expand to more sandbox areas across Thailand.

Conor Yang, Chief Financial Officer of EHang, said: “This demonstration showcased not only routine flight capabilities but also the core safety principles integral to our certified EH216-S aircraft.

“The AAM Sandbox Initiative in Thailand serves as a pivotal model for the region. Our goal is to leverage the operational and regulatory framework established here as a blueprint for expansion into other Southeast Asian markets, bringing safe, sustainable AAM to the wider region globally.”

During the launch event, the EH216-S completed a series of point-A-to-point-B autonomous flights with consistent stability, demonstrating its integrated flight control systems and operational reliability.

The event gathered senior officials from the CAAT and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) of Thailand, along with key industry partners including Aerial Sea Ventures, Energy Absolute, Amita Technology, G Capital, China Harbour Engineering Company, Bangkok Airways, VietJet, and Tahira Group from Malaysia.

Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the CAAT, said: “We are highly impressed with the cutting-edge technology and demonstrated safety of EHang’s EH216-S during these flights.

“At the CAAT, we are guiding Thailand’s transition into a new era of AAM, where safety and public trust remain our highest priorities. Through our ‘prove it safe, then scale’ approach, we have explored a clear path toward commercial operations, with the target of launching the world’s first commercial eVTOL operation services within the next three months leveraging the Initiative. The future of AAM in Thailand will be safe by design, ambitious in vision, and realized through tangible action.”

EHang also held a technical meeting with CAAT officials, presenting the EH216-S’s comprehensive safety architecture, Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management integration, risk assessment framework, and flight-testing methodology.

This multi-party collaboration with the Initiative represents a significant step toward gaining local regulatory approval for future commercial operations in sandbox areas across Thailand.

Under the Initiative, EHang’s local partners will provide essential operational support, ranging from infrastructure to operational teams. They plan to expand the sandbox areas to Pattaya, Koh Larn, Phuket, Koh Samui and many other locations in Thailand for more sightseeing flight routes and transportation services.

Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, represents a strategically vital market for Advanced Air Mobility. This is driven by its strong service sector, thriving tourism industry, and proactive government policies promoting smart transportation and sustainable technology.

The country’s densely populated urban areas and persistent traffic congestion make it an ideal environment for deploying AAM solutions. Major cities such as Bangkok are particularly well-suited for air taxi services, offering significant market potential.

This potential was clearly demonstrated last November when the EH216-S successfully conducted three days of human-carrying flights in central Bangkok, showcasing its practical capabilities in real-world AAM applications.

Panya Chupanit, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Transport of Thailand, said: “The MOT is fully committed to advancing sustainable transportation, and the development of AAM technology—exemplified by EHang’s innovative eVTOL solutions—is integral to this vision.

“We are working closely with partners across sectors to position Thailand as a regional AAM hub, in line with our national goals for carbon neutrality and smart, connected cities. “

Luong Pham of Aerial Sea Ventures added: “With the EH216-S, we are entering an era where travel is measured in minutes, not hours, connecting waterways, islands and remote areas with unprecedented efficiency.

“With the strong support of the CAAT and MOT, we are now months—not years—away from commercialization in Thailand. We look forward to positioning Thailand as the regional hub for AAM across Southeast Asia.”