China’s Flying Taxis Set To Launch In Three Years, Says Ehang

Ehang, a Chinese aviation company, has announced that flying taxis could be operational in Chinese cities within three to five years. The company, which manufactures autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs), recently received the world’s first certification to operate pilotless aerial vehicles carrying humans, making flying taxis a viable transportation option.

Certification Clears The Path For Commercial Operations

Ehang, in partnership with Hefei Heyi Aviation, was granted certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China for its “civil human-carrying pilotless aerial vehicles.” This allows Ehang to launch commercial operations, starting with paid tourist rides in cities like Guangzhou and Hefei by June 2025. Air taxi services are expected to expand to cities like Shenzhen and Hefei.

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The certified EH216-S vehicle is a two-seater, fully electric aerial vehicle with 16 propellers, capable of speeds up to 130 km/h and a 30 km range. Ehang plans to expand operations to cities such as Zhuhai and Wuhan.

China’s Leadership in eVTOL Technology

China is advancing rapidly in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector. The government’s investment in the low-altitude economy, which includes eVTOLs, drones, and air shuttle routes, is expected to make this sector worth $205 billion by 2025.

Global Competition Intensifies

While China leads, it faces competition from international players like Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and U.S.-based startups such as Joby Aviation and Archer. Chinese company Xpeng also aims to mass-produce flying cars by 2026.

The eVTOL market is projected to reach $30 billion within the next decade, and China’s dominance presents both opportunities and challenges for global competitors.

The Future Of China’s Flying Taxis

With government backing and a growing number of domestic eVTOL investments, China is poised to stay at the forefront of this innovative sector. However, increasing competition from global companies will shape the future of flying taxis.

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Bank Of England Holds Rates At 3.75% In Split Vote As Inflation Risks Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 17, 2026

The Bank of England kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% on Thursday, but the decision was not unanimous. In a 6-3 vote, the Monetary Policy Committee kept rates unchanged, while three members backed a 25-basis-point increase to 4%. Renewed energy price pressures have added to concerns that inflation could remain elevated.

Inflation Pressures Remain

Policymakers said inflation “is likely to rise further over coming quarters,” citing higher and more volatile crude oil and refined energy prices since the conflict began.

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So far, there has been “little evidence” of significant second-round effects, such as broader wage and price increases. Inflation risks, however, are now “tilted to the upside” and have increased since the July Monetary Policy Report.

Energy Prices Add To Inflation Risks

Brent crude has risen 36% since July, reaching $106 a barrel on Sept. 14, while UK wholesale gas prices increased 78% to 207 pence per therm.

Higher energy costs can feed into transport, production and household expenses, raising costs across supply chains. Refinery pressures have also pushed crack spreads, the difference between refined fuel and crude prices, well above pre-conflict levels.

Economy Shows Resilience

Despite the inflation risks, UK economic activity has held up slightly better than the Bank expected. A softer labor market and higher borrowing costs are expected to help reduce inflation over time.

Previous monetary tightening is still working through the economy, according to policymakers. So far, the latest energy shock has not produced clear evidence of a broader wage-price spiral.

Major Central Banks Take Different Paths

The decision comes during a busy period for global monetary policy. The Federal Reserve raised rates Wednesday to 3.75%-4% in its first increase since 2023, while the European Central Bank recently lifted its deposit rate to 2.5%.

The Bank of Japan is due to announce its decision Friday, with markets expecting a rate increase. Thursday’s split vote shows that pressure for tighter policy remains within the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

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