Rwanda is partnering with CRBC’s global engineering expertise to develop a new ecosystem for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a technology aimed at easing traffic congestion, linking communities, and advancing sustainable transport solutions.
The showcase will feature the EHang EH216-S, a pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), marking the continent’s first public flight of its kind.
The demonstration is expected to serve as a live case study for African regulators and industry stakeholders, providing insights into the potential and safety of advanced air mobility.
Rwanda, which has already gained global recognition for pioneering drone delivery services, hopes the milestone will help attract investment and technology partners to its emerging urban air mobility market.
“Rwanda is actively building a future where our cities are more connected and our economy is more dynamic through innovative transport solutions,” said Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore.
Echoing this vision, Huang Qilin, Director General of CRBC’s Rwanda Office, emphasized the partnership’s potential impact: “We are proud to support Rwanda’s vision of becoming a pioneer in aviation technology.”
Features of the EHang EH216-S
The two-passenger EH216-S eVTOL multicopter is the world’s first flying taxi to be declared airworthy, following certification by China’s aviation regulator. It cruises at 100 km/h, reaches a top speed of 130 km/h, and has a range of 35 km with a flight time of about 21 minutes.
Powered by 16 electric motors and propellers, the aircraft can carry up to 220 kg and recharges in roughly two hours. Its carbon fiber frame, gull-wing doors, and wide windows combine safety with panoramic views. With vertical take-off and landing capabilities, the EH216-S requires minimal infrastructure, making it particularly suited to urban mobility.
As of July 2018, the EH216-S had already completed over 1,000 manned flights, including trips of up to 8.8 km in a single journey, demonstrating both reliability and readiness for commercial use.
Rwanda’s decision to debut the aircraft at the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit positions the country as a pioneer in advanced air mobility. Building on its success with drone delivery services, Rwanda is now extending its innovation into electric aviation.
The pilotless air taxi represents more than a technological showcase, it signals a new era of urban transport in Africa, offering faster, eco-friendly mobility while reducing reliance on ground infrastructure.
