Controlled by a single computer, over 22,000 drones return to their bases with centimeter-level precision. Aerial fire-fighting drones smash glass and put out fires in high-rise buildings. Crew-carrying unpiloted aerial vehicles, the world’s first to obtain four core certifications, stand quietly on site. Journalists from across the globe were deeply impressed by China’s low-altitude economy at the Urban Air Mobility Operation Center in Luogang Park, Hefei.

"This is amazing! Absolutely astonishing!" a foreign journalist sighed repeatedly.

"One single computer can command 22,580 drones. After forming intricate patterns in the sky, they can fly back accurately to their box-shaped landing pads with a spacing of merely 2 to 3 centimeters, which is unprecedented worldwide." Shao Yusen, Business Operation Director of Hefei Heyi Aviation Co., Ltd., explained to foreign reporters. Behind him stood the Guinness World Record certificate. Set during the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, this record fully proves China’s top-tier technology in ultra-large-scale drone formation control.

What amazed the journalists even more was boarding the EH216-S flying taxi.

"The cabin is simple with no manual operation needed," said a journalist after the experience. This aircraft has obtained the world’s first complete set of four certificates including type certificate, production license, standard airworthiness certificate and operation certificate. It has no complicated dashboards or control sticks, and flies fully automatically after passengers fasten their seat belts.

"We are the world’s first and so far the only operator of unpiloted eVTOLs that holds all four core certifications," an on-site official from Heyi Aviation told the media. "This aircraft costs over 2 million RMB, far cheaper than helicopters with the same passenger capacity. It features ultra-low flight costs and an eight-axis sixteen-propeller redundant design, enabling safe flight even if two or three motors stop working."

On display in the hangar were fire-fighting drones equipped with window-breaking fire-extinguishing bombs and 100-liter fire extinguishing solutions, cargo logistics drones, and the newly launched VT35 intercity commuter aircraft. With a flight range of over 200 kilometers, the VT35 enables fast travel between urban clusters and fits perfectly with existing urban takeoff and landing sites.

Regarding journalists’ biggest concern about when flying taxis will be as convenient as regular ride-hailing, Shao Yusen explained: "Just as cars need roads, traffic lights and traffic management, flying taxis require a complete set of aerial management systems, takeoff and landing networks and relevant regulations." He stated that low-altitude manned flight will see explosive growth in the next three to five years once supporting infrastructure and intelligent safety networks are fully built.

"Why choose Hefei as the base?" was another key question raised by journalists.

"Hefei is a key pilot city for low-altitude economy reform and a hub for scientific and technological innovation," Shao Yusen introduced. In 2024, EHang Intelligent jointly established Heyi Aviation Co., Ltd. with Hefei state-owned platforms, focusing on the commercial operation of urban air mobility. "Hefei boasts complete industrial chains for new energy vehicles and chips. We have established in-depth cooperation with local enterprises such as Gotion High-tech and JAC Motors. We excel in design and R&D while they have rich experience in battery production and mass manufacturing, forming a powerful alliance."

At present, EHang Intelligent has set up five subsidiaries in Hefei covering R&D, operation, battery technology, aerial media and manufacturing. The whole process including research, development and production of its latest VT35 model will be fully localized in Hefei. "We have formed a complete industrial chain covering application scenarios, research and development as well as production right here in Hefei."

Source: anhuinews.com