Chinese regulators have for the first time granted companies approval to operate autonomous passenger drones, IPN reports.
The two companies are cleared to use unmanned aerial vehicles to offer commercial passenger services, including urban sightseeing tours, according to South China Morning Post.
The air operator certificate was the final regulatory hurdle both companies’ passenger drones needed to clear before being put into operation, given that they had already obtained the type certificate, production certificate and airworthiness certificate, according to a report by Citic Securities.
“We reckon that low-altitude tourism will be the beginning of this new business,” the report stated. “EHang’s urban sightseeing tours can accelerate the development of the industry.”
China has taken a series of steps in recent months to accelerate the development of the low-altitude economy, which includes technologies ranging from delivery drones to blimps and flying cars.
China’s leaders have identified the sector as a crucial emerging industry and driver of economic growth.
Photo source: www.scmp.com
