EHang Completes First Crewed eVTOL Flight in Africa, Expands Global Reach
September 5, 2025 —EHang, together with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), completed the first flight of its EH216-S eVTOL aircraft in Africa.
The flight, which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, marks a milestone for eVTOL technology on the continent and expands EHang’s operational footprint to 21 countries across five continents, the manufacturer said.
The flight was supported by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore, Director General of Civil Aviation Silas Udahemuka, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi, as well as aviation industry representatives and media from more than 50 countries.
According to EHang, President Kagame praised the flight as a demonstration of technological innovation that could advance low-altitude transportation in Africa. Ambassador Gao described it as a milestone for Chinese eVTOL technology in Africa and a sign of growing cooperation between China and Rwanda under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.
Meanwhile, Minister Gasore emphasized its relevance for developing new travel modes, improving inter-city connectivity, and guiding Rwanda’s future air traffic regulatory system.
The flight coincided with the announcement of a strategic partnership between EHang and CRBC to jointly promote and sell EHang aircraft globally. Under the agreement, CRBC will act as an agent to promote and sell EHang’s aircraft in international markets, leveraging its network spanning more than 70 countries and regions.
CRBC Deputy General Manager Zhao Lianzhi said the company will use its global infrastructure resources to support EHang in obtaining international standard certification and expanding application scenarios. He described the African maiden flight as a key step in bringing Chinese technology to the continent.
Huang Qilin, Head of CRBC’s Rwanda Office, highlighted the flight’s importance in showcasing Chinese technology in Africa and outlined plans to explore eVTOL aircraft applications and expand the African market through ongoing cooperation.
EHang Chief Operating Officer Wang Zhao noted that the partnership combines CRBC’s global construction and infrastructure expertise with EHang’s experience in civil aviation, enabling both companies to develop low-altitude flight solutions and promote international certification and commercial standards for eVTOL aircraft.
He said the African flight represents a strategic effort to explore emerging markets and deliver high-quality uncrewed aircraft products and services overseas.
Chief Engineer Lu Rucheng added that the EH216-S has completed more than 73,000 safe flights globally. He described the African maiden flight as a demonstration of EHang’s technical capabilities and system safety architecture, emphasizing collaboration with African airlines, airports, civil aviation authorities, and industry organizations.
EHang said it plans to leverage the flight and the summit to explore advanced air mobility models and provide solutions for transportation, logistics, tourism, and other sectors in Africa, supporting the development of the global civil aviation industry.
The Africa Aviation Summit, one of the continent’s largest annual aviation events, took place from September 4 to 5 and attracted audiences from over 50 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia
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