China advances low-altitude taxi market with a $300 billion forecast, enabling city-wide travel in minutes

China’s low-altitude economy is entering a “pivotal stage” of large-scale development in 2026, with electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) moving from demonstration flights toward mass production and delivery, according to Sina Tech. The outlet also said eVTOL is expected to become a key driver of the low-altitude economy.

Regulatory and industry momentum

Recent developments in China point to accelerating progress toward commercialization. On April 3, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) website reported that a leading eVTOL technology company in China completed a registration-guidance filing with the CSRC and plans to issue an initial public offering and list on the STAR Market.

Earlier, on March 31, Gaoyu Tech, a subsidiary of Guangzhou Automotive Group (GAC), announced progress in standardizing eVTOL technology.

Market outlook and China’s role

Sina Tech cited a Morgan Stanley forecast that the global eVTOL market could reach $300 billion by 2030. The outlet said China, supported by a complete industrial chain and rapid deployment, is expected to become one of the world’s most important low-altitude urban mobility markets.

From trials to urban air mobility

As 2026 begins, several Chinese regions—including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Chengdu, and Chongqing—are accelerating the linkage of technology, policy, and application, Sina Tech said, describing a shift toward an “urban air mobility” era.

Greater Bay Area examples

In the Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen and Guangzhou have conducted low-altitude cross-river test flights. Guangzhou has also opened a commercial route from Baiyun Airport with a 28-minute flight time and a fare of 480 yuan. The route runs 14 weekly flights, with passenger load factors above 70%.

Sina Tech added that a subsidiary of Ehang Guangzhou received its first operating certificate and began trial operations at Ehang Future City in Guangzhou, launching a low-altitude scenic route along the river.

Ha Tianxing, vice chairman of Ehang Guangzhou, told Sina Tech that residents will soon be able to purchase tickets via a mini-app to experience low-altitude flights using the EH216-S near Tujiang Wharf in Guangzhou. The flight is expected to last about 3.5 minutes, allowing visitors to view the Huangpu District and the neighboring city of Dongguan.

Other city pilots

Beyond the Greater Bay Area, Sina Tech said cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hefei are focusing on segments including low-altitude tourism, intercity mobility, and upgrades to supporting infrastructure.

For example, in February, in the Smart Center district of Chengdu, the first intra-city passenger flight by eVTOL was completed. The flight reportedly maintained stable operations at an altitude of 80 meters for 10 minutes, demonstrating the feasibility of deploying urban air mobility in core megacities.

Production scale and commercialization path

Sina Tech said mass production will be central to scaling the industry once production ramps up, with orders and certifications accelerating. Early in March, at a Guangzhou-based eVTOL factory, five aircraft were produced in a single day. The plant was described as capable of delivering a vehicle every 30 minutes at full capacity.

Gaoyu Tech founder Tu Khanh Bang said the ultimate value of technology is ubiquity and sharing, aiming to democratize low-altitude mobility.

Sina Tech also reported that once commercial operations begin, service pricing for air taxis is expected to gradually align with ride-hailing services, making low-altitude mobility more accessible to a broader population.

Company updates and 2026 priorities

Ehang Guangzhou delivered more than 200 EH216-S units in 2025 and plans to continue expanding internationally, including strategic cooperation with Thailand. Ha Tianxing said 2026 will focus on commercial deployment, regular passenger operations, accelerated airworthiness certification for VT35, and deeper overseas expansion.

Sina Tech said the EH216-S is moving toward public ticket sales and that Ehang is transitioning from a device manufacturer to a provider of comprehensive urban air mobility solutions.

Outlook

Looking ahead, Sina Tech said policy and infrastructure are expected to continue improving as mass production approaches, and low-altitude mobility will gradually integrate into cities’ transport systems—turning a future vision into daily mobility.

Source: Sina Tech