Kazakhstan has taken another step toward launching autonomous air taxis after completing the country’s first passenger flight aboard a pilotless electric aircraft. The demonstration flight of the Chinese-built EH216-S took place in Astana during the Games of the Future 2026. Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev became the first passenger to fly aboard the aircraft in Kazakhstan, later describing the experience as “not frightening at all.”
The demonstration marks the beginning of preparations for the practical deployment of urban air mobility. Initially, the aircraft are expected to operate short sightseeing flights lasting between five and 30 minutes. Their role could later expand to include emergency medical response, the delivery of medicines, wildfire support and other emergency services. Infrastructure for the new transport system is planned in Astana, Almaty and Alatau City. According to the Ministry of Transport, Kazakhstan has already adopted the core regulatory framework governing eVTOL aircraft and vertiports. Rules for unmanned air traffic management are also in place.
Developed by China’s Guangzhou EHang Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd., the two-seat EH216-S electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h and fly as far as 35 kilometers on a single charge. During the demonstration, it was operated remotely from a ground control station. Sauranbayev said confidence in the technology was reinforced by the aircraft’s operational experience in China.
Alongside the flight demonstrations, EHang is discussing the possible localization of aircraft production in Kazakhstan. According to the company’s sales director, Darren Xiao, potential manufacturing partners include Kazakh vehicle producers Allur and QazTehna.
As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Alatau City, currently under construction near Almaty, is expected to become one of the first locations in Kazakhstan to introduce regular air taxi services as part of a new urban transport network.
