UAM technology platform EHang has successfully conducted the first-ever pilotless human-carrying flight of its EH216-S in Africa. This milestone took place during the ninth Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition in Kigali, Rwanda, in collaboration with its strategic partner China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). This marks a historic breakthrough for EHang as the first pilotless eVTOL aircraft to fly on the African continent.

The first pilotless flight of the EH216-S in Africa received strong support from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA). Dignitaries including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore, RCAA director general Silas Udahemuka and Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wenqi Gao were present to witness this historic moment. Aviation representatives and media journalists from over 50 countries worldwide attended the flight ceremony, with Mr. Rucheng Lu, chief engineer of EHang, also accompanying the guests. Staff from the RCAA and reporters from China Media Group were the first group of passengers to experience the flights. This milestone not only marked a successful debut in Africa, but also expanded the EH216-S's global flight footprint to 21 countries across five continents.

President Paul Kagame of Rwandan recognised EHang's leading technological innovation and the safe, reliable performance of the flight, stating: “This impressive flight will drive the development of low-altitude transportation in Africa.”

Chinese Ambassador Wenqi Gao highlighted the flight as a symbol of deepening practical cooperation between China and Rwanda, emphasising the role of this milestone in the broader context of China-Africa technological cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore expresses Rwanda's commitment to embracing new transportation solutions, noting that this flight serves as a reference point for building a safe and advanced air mobility regulatory framework in the country.

As one of Africa's largest annual aviation events, the Aviation Africa Summit focuses on aviation industry development, regional cooperation and investment opportunities, facilitating global exchanges around topics such as new civil aviation applications. The EH216-S, displayed at the summit, attracted visitors from over 50 countries and regions across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Dignitaries such as President Paul Kagame and Chinese Ambassador Wenqi Gao visited EHang's booth, to discuss low-altitude economy cooperation and technological exchanges between China and Rwanda, expressing the willingness to work together for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes in emerging industries.

Africa's vast geography presents unique opportunities for low-altitude aviation, especially in remote and underserved regions. The successful debut flight of the EH216-S is not only a preview of its future deployment in practical commercial applications, but also a demonstration of how air mobility can address transportation challenges, enhance economic growth and improve livelihoods across the African continent. EHang will join hands with partners such as CRBC to actively expand into the African market, leveraging its advanced pilotless aerial vehicle technology and rich experience in low-altitude application practices, and jointly explore an advanced air mobility development model suitable for the African region.

As the strategic partner for the summit and flight, Qilin Huang, head of CRBC's Rwanda office, stated, "The EH216-S flight is a brilliant showcase of China's cutting-edge technology and new-quality productive forces in Africa. Looking forward, we will continue to explore eVTOL application scenarios in Africa and open up new opportunities this emerging market."

Rucheng Lu, chief engineer of EHang, comments: “With over 73,000 safe flights already completed, this first human-carrying flight in Africa demonstrates EHang's outstanding technical capabilities and robust system safety, making an important step in accelerating our global expansion. Starting with the Aviation Africa Summit, EHang will continue to engage with African airlines, airports, civil aviation authorities, industry organisations and aviation professionals, exploring innovative models and providing solutions that promote the development of Africa's transportation, logistics, tourism and other sectors, and contribute to the better development of global new civil aviation.”

EHang has also embarked on a strategic partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). Both parties will leverage their leading advantages in their respective fields to carry out all-round cooperation in aspects such as the promotion and sales of EHang's pilotless aerial vehicle, scenario-based applications and infrastructure construction, accelerating the growth of the global low-altitude economy.

Zhao Wang, chief operating officer of EHang, says: “This partnership marks a pivotal step as we expand internationally and drive the global low-altitude economy forward. CRBC's strong international presence and engineering capabilities complement EHang's leadership in autonomous aerial technology. By leveraging CRBC's expertise and extensive resources in global infrastructure, including roads, ports and airports, we will foster the development and application of integrated transportation networks and diverse low-altitude flight scenarios. At the same time, CRBC's strong international business network and rich project experience will enable us to jointly advance the international certification of eVTOLs and related commercial operation standards. Together, we are committed to delivering high-quality, efficient pilotless aerial vehicle solutions to customers around the globe and contributing meaningfully to the future of urban air mobility.”