The Hanoi Department of Science and Technology and Hung Viet Investment Trading and Technology JSC signed an agreement on Sept. 28 to study and propose controlled trials of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The agreement covers trials of EHang’s EH216-S, a pilotless electric aircraft designed to carry passengers, as part of Hanoi’s efforts to develop its low-altitude economy. Under the agreement, the two sides will propose a regulatory sandbox, a controlled environment for testing new technologies, at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park on the outskirts of Hanoi.
The project will involve test flights, the development of an unmanned aircraft traffic management system and the establishment of an operations control center. The proposed trials will be conducted in four stages, in accordance with Vietnamese regulations and international aviation safety standards, according to the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park Management Board.
Hung Viet will begin providing the technical, financial and human resources needed to prepare the program in October, while EHang will supply the aircraft, supporting technology and personnel training. Test flights can begin only after the Hanoi administration approves the pilot program.
The cooperation also covers technology transfer, technical training and the development of standards governing aircraft operations and flight safety. Following the trials, the two sides will assess the feasibility of commercial operations, subject to test results and further regulatory approvals.
EHang said in a separate statement on Sept. 29 that Vietnam had become the second country to join its Global Fast Track Program, following Sri Lanka. Hanoi is the company’s first destination under the program in Vietnam. It also plans to explore opportunities in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, including urban transportation and aerial sightseeing services.
EHang, headquartered in Guangzhou and listed on Nasdaq, develops autonomous electric aircraft for passenger transportation, tourism and logistics. Its flagship EH216-S can reach speeds of 130 kph and travel up to 30 km, according to the South China Morning Post.
In March 2025, EHang and Hefei Hey Airlines became the first companies in China to receive regulatory approval to operate autonomous passenger drones commercially, including for aerial sightseeing.
The company has also expanded its activities beyond mainland China. In August, its EH216-S conducted demonstration flights in Hong Kong, where a local transport operator plans to purchase 30 aircraft for passenger and logistics services.
Source: VN Express