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On June 9, China’s Customs Administration issued new declaration requirements for exports of drones and related items, effective June 30.

The announcement sets declaration requirements for exports of unmanned aircraft, unmanned airships, related equipment and components, and civil counter‑unmanned aircraft systems.

Export operators must —

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EHang Uses High-Altitude Propellers For Test

EHang highlighted the aircraft's 270-degree panoramic view and low noise (below 65 decibels) as features that help define service standards for low-altitude sightseeing. It reported in-cabin noise Video: EHang

June 11, 2026 — EHang reported that its EH216-S eVTOL aircraft completed a high-altitude point-to-point flight over Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan province.

The flight connected Xizhou to Shuanglang. According to the company, the journey took less than 10 minutes, compared to approximately 60 minutes by car.

The flight area has an altitude of about 2,000 meters (approximately 6,562 feet). EHang described the environment as a plateau with thin air; the company stated that the aircraft used self-developed high-altitude propellers.

The company added that the flight served as a key “stress test” as eVTOL moves toward real, complex commercial scenarios after obtaining market access qualifications.

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Let’s get into it.

Share Repurchase Program

On June 8, EHang’s board of directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the company to buy back up to US$30 million of its American depositary shares or ordinary shares over a 12-month period.

According to the announcement, repurchases may occur from time to time through open market transactions, privately negotiated deals, block trades or other legally permissible means, depending on market conditions and in compliance with U.S. securities laws, including Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18.

EHang’s founder, chairman and chief executive officer, Huazhi Hu, stated that the program reflects confidence in the company’s long-term growth potential and its ability to deliver shareholder value while advancing pilotless eVTOL solutions.

The company expects to fund the repurchases mainly from its existing cash balance.

Unaudited Financial Results

On June 9, EHang released its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

Total revenues were RMB25.7 million (US$3.7 million), compared with RMB26.1 million in the first quarter of 2025 and RMB177.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Deliveries of EH216-series eVTOL aircraft totaled four units, down from 11 units a year earlier and 61 units plus five VT35 aircraft in the prior quarter.

Gross margin edged up slightly to 62.5% from 62.4% a year ago.

Operating loss widened to RMB127.9 million (US$18.5 million) from RMB89.9 million in the first quarter of 2025. Net loss was RMB126.4 million (US$18.3 million), compared with RMB78.4 million a year earlier.

On an adjusted non-GAAP basis, which excludes share-based compensation and certain non-operational items, operating loss was RMB77.1 million (US$11.2 million) and net loss was RMB75.6 million (US$11.0 million).

That compares with adjusted operating loss of RMB42.6 million and adjusted net loss of RMB31.1 million in the first quarter of 2025.

As of March 31, EHang held RMB1.03 billion (US$148.9 million) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted short-term deposits, short-term investments and treasury investments.

On the operational side, EHang and its two air operator certificate holders in China have completed more than 3,000 safe flight missions since receiving their certificates in March 2025, with no accidents or violations.

The company continues preparing for public ticketed commercial operations, including a crew training program awaiting regulatory approval after the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued training requirements for remote pilots last month.

EHang introduced upgrades to the EH216-S platform, including a battery cooling vehicle to shorten turnaround time between flights and an independent cabin air-conditioning system for high-temperature environments.

Meanwhile, the VT35 long-range eVTOL aircraft remains in the certification basis definition phase with the CAAC, with ongoing test flights and avionics design work.

Aerial media solutions contributed approximately 40% of total quarterly revenue, with 22 shows and 1,000 GD 4.0 formation drones delivered.

In Thailand, five vertiport locations have been identified and the first operational route surveyed under the AAM Sandbox framework.

Last month, the EH216-S completed the first human-carrying pilotless eVTOL flights in Mexico and Latin America during the FAMEX Tulum Air Show.

The company maintained its annual revenue guidance of approximately RMB600 million for fiscal year 2026.

See the full release for complete financial tables, non-GAAP reconciliations and further details on first-quarter operations.

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Market Reaction

Following the release of first-quarter results on June 9, EHang’s stock experienced a sharp sell-off.

The company’s ADRs closed 23% lower at $6.68 and hit a 52‑week low of $6.50 during the trading session (Prior to June 9, the 52‑week low was $9.04, but the stock broke through that level to set a new low of $6.50 intraday).

EHang reported revenue of 25.7 million yuan (US$3.8 million) for the first quarter, far below the 61.2 million yuan expected by analysts. The stock had already been under pressure in the preceding days after UBS downgraded its rating, bringing its year‑to‑date decline to over 49% as of early June.

Shortly after the earnings release, BofA Securities lowered its price target on EHang to $13.00 from $16.00 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm noted that deliveries of just four EH216 Series eVTOL aircraft were well below its own estimate of 14 units.

Management linked the disappointing deliveries to seasonal factors and longer procurement timelines as local government customers required additional time for internal budgeting and approval processes.

On a non‑GAAP basis, the first‑quarter net loss of RMB 75 million also came in wider than BofA’s estimate.

UBS had downgraded EHang from Buy to Neutral just days before the earnings report, citing delays in commercializing its eVTOL aircraft and the company’s heavy reliance on government approvals in key Chinese cities.

The firm cut its price target to $11.10 from $21.00 and pushed back its breakeven expectations for the company to 2029‑2030 from 2026‑2027.

As of early June, broader analyst data indicated a consensus rating of Hold with an average 12‑month price target of $12.05, implying approximately 76.7% upside from the stock’s closing price of $6.82 on June 10.

Short interest remains elevated at 14.19% of the float, with a days‑to‑cover ratio of 12.2 days, reflecting persistent bearish sentiment.

On June 8, the company announced a $30 million share repurchase program funded from existing cash, though the move has yet to meaningfully reverse the stock’s downward trajectory.

As of June 11, EHang’s 52‑week trading range stands at $6.50 to $20.45, reflecting the new low set during the June 9 selloff.

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AutoFlight announced on June 10 that its V2000CG CarryAll eVTOL aircraft had received a Validated Type Certificate (VTC) from Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), making it the first eVTOL model to obtain overseas type validation.

The aircraft is earmarked for inter-island transportation of high-value and time-sensitive cargo, including fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and emergency supplies.

The Indonesian certification followed a bilateral airworthiness validation process involving the DGCA and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

AutoFlight said it applied for Indonesian validation in July 2025 based on the Chinese Type Certificate it received on March 22, 2024.

The process included comparisons of the two countries’ airworthiness standards, technical discussions, documentation reviews and an on-site inspection in China by DGCA personnel.

According to the eVTOL maker, the DGCA issued the VTC on June 3 after determining that the V2000CG met Indonesia’s airworthiness requirements.

AutoFlight described the Indonesian VTC as another step toward the overseas deployment of eVTOL aircraft following technical validation and airworthiness certification.

It added that, together with CATL, it plans to continue exporting low-altitude aviation technologies and operational solutions to international markets, particularly in regions with challenging geography or transportation constraints.

Author’s note —

The validation of AutoFlight’s V2000CG by Indonesia’s DGCA follows a pre-existing bilateral framework for aircraft certification between China and Indonesia.

The framework was first tested and proven through COMAC’s ARJ21 (now C909) program — China’s domestically developed regional jet.

On May 22, 2000, the CAAC and DGCA signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the acceptance of airworthiness statements for aviation products. In September 2019, the two authorities signed a more specific “Working Arrangement for Type Validation and Continued Airworthiness of ARJ21 Aircraft,” which detailed procedures for standard comparison, technical data review, and post-certification oversight.

Based on the arrangement, COMAC submitted an application for Indonesian type validation of the ARJ21-700 in September 2021. The DGCA conducted a technical review and granted a VTC for the ARJ21-700 on January 14, 2022.

This allowed the aircraft to enter commercial service in Indonesia with TransNusa in April 2023.

The V2000CG followed a similar procedural path.

After receiving its Type Certificate from the CAAC in March 2024, AutoFlight applied for Indonesian validation in July 2025. The DGCA conducted standard comparisons, technical document reviews, and an on-site inspection in China before issuing a VTC for the V2000CG on June 3.

This marks the first time an eVTOL has received overseas type validation, but the regulatory channel was paved by the ARJ21 precedent.

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“Seen closely, the PICC insurance policy has a condition saying that the aircraft must obtain TC and PC from CAAC first (presumably as a UAV but carrying a person on board), then the coverage as non‑regulated ultralight would take effect. A catch‑22 situation.”

This is an interesting and thoughtful observation.

On a strict reading of the policy documents, the commenter appears to have identified a logical contradiction. Below is my interpretation of the two policies involved and whether the catch‑22 truly exists.

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Shenzhen Low-Altitude Economy Industry Association announced on June 8 a public invitation for qualified fine decoration design and construction units to cooperate on the Eastern Low-Altitude Integrated Flight Demonstration Base fine decoration project.

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His input served as the obsession catalyst for the research presented here.

Harald is a travel operator and analyst. He runs tours to China, produces videos about the country, and regularly shares his impressions and insights on Chinese society, technology, politics, and travel – particularly for an audience of prospective visitors.

Second, thank you to all my readers. I absolutely encourage questions.

Much of the current discourse on the low‑altitude economy adopts a Western/Euro‑centric framework, which often obscures rather than clarifies China's actual developments.

Disinformation compounds the issue.

Questions are necessary.

This article answers Harald’s comment —

“Reading you piece about the Buoyancy-Engine I was confused about their claim to have delivered prototype to AVIC and exported a full airship, as well as extensive testing and high altitude flight, yet all images seem digital renderings, also on their Douyin account.”

Before we get into it…

Thank you to my paid subscribers.

This newsletter is completely independent and managed completely by me; China eVTOL News does not rely on advertising revenue.

Your support truly makes this possible.

I do the work because accurate information matters.

Or, in the words of Sigurður Hjartarson, whose contributions to the Icelandic Phallological Museum in Reykjavík are, shall we say, rather unique — "Someone had to do it."

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For any company reading — I function as your personal researcher, without the overhead of a salary.

If you are using this work commercially — meaning you are financially benefiting from it because you are actively applying the research — I simply ask that you subscribe to the appropriate tier (the highest tier, which is extremely affordable for a yearly personal researcher), unless we have come to an alternative arrangement.

I understand that aviation and consulting are fiercely competitive — even cutthroat at times.

With that in mind, I respectfully ask that my work not be used for financial gain without fair compensation in return.

Thank you to those subscribers who already do that.

And for those who require thoroughly researched, data‑driven reports on China’s low‑altitude economy or related sectors, I offer custom research services. Please reach out.

The below report took a solid 8 hours of research. Let’s get into it.

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The June 4 event also marked the formal launch of the company's "full-scenario smart outdoor mobility ecosystem," which spans land, water, and air mobility segments.

According to local media, NAVEE’s regional head for the Americas and Australia & New Zealand inked letter of intents with local partners in the Americas. No details were disclosed.

Ground effect is always cool. Video: NAVEE

The WaveFly 5X is a two-seat, pure-electric Class A wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft that leverages ground effect to achieve sustained flight at low altitude over water.

Class A is a formal safety classification for WIG craft under international maritime standards. It identifies a vessel engineered to operate exclusively within the aerodynamic influence of ground effect, as defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and various national maritime authorities.

For takeoff, the WaveFly 5X uses dual rotors to provide initial lift and acceleration. Once the craft reaches ground‑effect altitude, the rotors transition to a lower‑power mode while the wing‑in‑ground effect sustains efficient cruise flight.

Rather than climbing to higher altitudes, the WaveFly 5X is designed to cruise at heights of approximately 30 to 50 centimeters (11.8 to 19.7 inches) above the water surface.

At this height, air compression between the wing and water surface creates a high‑pressure cushion that lifts the 120‑kilogram (264.5‑lb) airframe.

The company claims the platform can carry a maximum payload of 140 kilograms (308.6 pounds) and achieve a top speed of 85 kilometers per hour (52.8 miles per hour).

Range is listed as 80 kilometers (49.7 miles) on a single charge, with maximum flight endurance of up to 70 minutes using quick-swap modular batteries, which can be replaced in several minutes.

According to NAVEE, the aircraft’s underside hydro‑step design helps the craft break free from water surface adhesion, allowing a smooth transition into ground‑effect flight.

It touts a reduction in water drag by 90% compared with conventional watercraft, translating to 40% greater efficiency. Energy consumption is claimed to be less than half that of a helicopter for comparable missions.

Unlike conventional aircraft, which operate at altitude, NAVEE said the WaveFly 5X is designed to descend back to the water surface in the event of power loss or emergency, mitigating risks associated with high-altitude falls.

The aircraft features a millisecond-response attitude control system that adjusts flight attitude in real time based on shifts in the user’s center of gravity.

Control inputs are managed via a single handheld joystick, and the instrument panel is significantly simplified compared with certified aircraft.

The company states the aircraft does not require a pilot’s license; rather, users can operate the vehicle after a brief familiarization session.

NAVEE (registered as Tantu Innovation Intelligent Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. [坦途创新智能科技（苏州）有限公司]) was founded in 2021 and initially built its business around high-performance electric scooters.

The company has established a presence in more than 60 countries; it holds over 400 patents, holds the number one market share in the Nordic region (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), and is in the top three across the broader European market.

The WaveFly 5X is the first product launched under NAVEE's water-air mobility strategy. The company has described the aircraft as a response to the emerging low-altitude economy.

The company's president, Lu Jian, stated that the aircraft is intended to make "personal water flight accessible to everyday consumers," moving beyond professional and industrial use cases.

As of the June 5 announcement, the WaveFly 5X is available for pre-order at a starting price of $99,999 USD. A deposit is required to secure a pre-order position, though the company has not disclosed whether the deposit is refundable or counts toward the final purchase price.

Media reports from March 2026 indicated the company had already received "several hundred letters of intent" from overseas yacht clubs for the WaveFly 5X. Mass production is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2026.

The company's registered business address is: Suzhou Wuzhong Economic Development Zone, Wuzhong Avenue No. 2288, Shangjinwan Headquarters Economic Park, Building A2, Suzhou, China.

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Hump 1500H Completes Successful Maiden Flight
Air Camel conducted the maiden flight of its Hump 1500H heavy‑lift UAV, a 1.5‑metric‑ton MTOW platform with a 700‑kg payload capacity. The flight validated autonomous capabilities including intelligent flight control, navigation, and hovering.

Hua Eagle Aviation Partners With Hong Kong HSIP
Hua Eagle Aviation announced a strategic partnership with SPD Bank’s Hong Kong Shanghai Innovation Incubator (HSIP) as the only aviation manufacturing enterprise in the incubator’s first cohort. The company plans to use the partnership to explore overseas expansion in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, as well as potential R&D and assembly bases in Hong Kong.

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On June 2, at the Sichuan Province Key Scenario Project Promotion Event, Sichuan Low‑Altitude Economy Industry Development Co., Ltd. (四川省低空经济产业发展有限公司) – also referred to as the Provincial Low‑Altitude Economy Company – together with Zigong Aviation Industry Investment Group Co., Ltd. (自贡航空产业投资集团有限责任公司) and Ganzi Prefecture Construction Investment Group Co., Ltd. (甘孜州建设投资集团有限公司), signed an agreement to jointly build the nation’s first comprehensive low‑altitude aircraft testing and airworthiness verification base covering full “plain‑plateau” real‑world environments.

The base will integrate the resources of Zigong Fengming and Lantian dual airports, connect with Ganzi Prefecture Kangding Airport (Ganzi High Plateau Airport) and real plateau scenarios, open a cross‑regional flight corridor, and establish a service platform for airworthiness consultation, quality inspection, performance testing, flight verification, and standard setting.

Under the agreement, the Provincial Low‑Altitude Economy Company provides standard setting, testing and certification, research support, and industrial services.

Zigong Aviation Investment supplies plain testing conditions with over 40,000 flight sorties annually; and Ganzi Construction Investment provides high‑altitude plateau environments and support.

The service model is described as “plain testing in Zigong, plateau testing in Ganzi, technical services at the provincial platform.”

According to local media reports, the new base aims to shorten the airworthiness certification cycle by an estimated 30% for aircraft manufacturers.

Airport Explainer

1. Zigong Fengming General Aviation Airport (自贡凤鸣通用航空机场)
Located in Zigong City, Sichuan Province. A general aviation airport used for low‑altitude aircraft testing, drone flights, and crewed test flights. Provides plain testing conditions with reportedly stable weather and high flight volume (over 40,000 sorties annually). Part of the “Zigong dual‑airport” system.

2. Zigong Lantian General Aviation Airport (自贡兰田通用航空机场)
Also located in Zigong City, Sichuan Province. The second general aviation airport in Zigong, operating alongside Fengming Airport. Offers additional plain testing conditions and airspace resources for low‑altitude aircraft R&D and verification flights.

3. Kangding Airport (康定机场) – also referred to as Ganzi High Plateau Airport (甘孜高高原机场)
Located in Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province. A civil transport airport serving Kangding city. Classified as a high‑plateau airport (elevation ~4,280 m). In the testing base project, it provides real high‑altitude plateau environments for airworthiness testing, complementing the plain testing done in Zigong.

Scan to Fly — Shanghai Municipality and Sichuan Province

The news follows quickly on the heels of the Central Airspace Management Office and other departments jointly promoting “Scan to Fly.”

On June 1, the Central Airspace Management Office, together with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China, designated fixed exclusive airspace within drone‑controlled airspace of Shanghai Municipality and Sichuan Province.

The adopted model is described as “government collaborative management, industry guidance and supervision, users report and fly at any time” – referred to as “Scan to Fly.”

This February, under the guidance of the Central Airspace Management Office and the National Development and Reform Commission, Sichuan launched a “Scan to Fly” WeChat mini‑program to simplify the recreational flight reporting process.

The program provides four functions — one‑tap query of airspace status and flyable areas; one‑tap reporting by scanning the drone body code and selecting a flight time; one‑tap navigation to compliant flight zones; and one‑tap insurance purchase for third‑party liability coverage.

According to the Central Airspace Management Office, Shanghai has opened exclusive airspace in scenic areas while Sichuan has used the “low‑altitude + cultural tourism” integration to implement the Scan to Fly service.

Shanghai

In Shanghai, the government has designated specific areas for drone flights under the “Scan to Fly” program, including a dedicated airspace of over 100 square kilometers (over 38.6 sq mi) set aside in the Lin‑gang Special Area for testing the new procedures.

For now, flights are capped at a maximum altitude of 120 meters (394 ft) and are permitted only between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, though authorities have announced plans to extend operating hours to a “sunrise to sunset” schedule in the future.

As the program progresses, officials aim to raise the flight ceiling to 300 meters (984 ft) in some zones and to open up additional locations for drone flying across the city.

Sichuan

Sichuan has taken a different approach, focusing on a “low‑altitude + cultural tourism” integration while rapidly expanding its flyable airspace.

In terms of airspace, Sichuan’s second batch of pilot zones, introduced in early May 2026, added approximately 67,000 square kilometers (about 25,869 sq mi) of new flyable airspace.

Individual recreational zones can be quite large – for example, Chengdu’s Qinglong Lake Wetland Park now includes a dedicated drone zone of 1.32 square kilometers (0.51 sq mi).

The province plans to make over 80% of its total land area suitable for “Scan to Fly” operations in the future.

Regarding altitude, current regulations strictly limit all “Scan to Fly” drone flights to 120 meters (394 ft) above ground level. However, an upcoming update scheduled for June will test raising the altitude ceiling to 300 meters (984 ft) in suitable areas.

As for operational hours, flights are currently allowed only between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The same June update will replace this with a more flexible “sunrise to sunset” schedule, weather permitting, eliminating the current daytime restriction.

Local media reports that by mid‑May 2026, Sichuan’s “Scan to Fly” WeChat mini‑program had already registered over 40,000 users, with flight numbers continuing to rise steadily.

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