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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Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 22, 2025

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

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Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

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