Hanoi proposes pilot of flying taxis at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park

The agreement, signed on Monday, covers research and controlled testing of autonomous eVTOL aircraft developed by Chinese company EHang for passenger and cargo transport as part of a low-altitude economic development model.

Under the agreement, the two sides will propose a sandbox program to test the EH-216S flying taxi at the hi-tech park, while developing a traffic management model for unmanned aircraft systems and an operations control center.

They will also study the development of an appropriate commercial low-altitude economic model if the controlled testing proves effective.

The cooperation will include technical training in operating unmanned aircraft, as well as the development of an operations and management center for eVTOL aircraft, according to the department.

Hanoi and Hung Viet, based in the city, will also work on technical standards, regulations on aircraft operations and flight safety, and technology transfer, with the aim of developing local expertise in the technology.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, deputy chairman of the Hanoi administration Truong Viet Dung said the flying taxi pilot would be unprecedented in the city.

Dung said the initiative could create new economic momentum and support the development of fields including data, infrastructure and human resources, particularly in aviation engineering.

If the pilot proves successful and the technology is put into practical use, it could help reduce traffic congestion in Hanoi, Dung said.

He asked the department and Hung Viet to work with relevant agencies to speed up preparations and complete procedures for submitting the sandbox proposal to the city for consideration and approval.