Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Latest news about Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer EHang

This week, the government of Hefei city in China agreed to invest in EHang’s plans to produce its planned new VT35 eVTOL aircraft. Announcing their partnership on August 26, city officials and the company said they will establish a base for the VT35 program to support research and development, testing, certification, manufacturing, sales, and operations for EHang’s next autonomous eVTOL model.
The VT35 will be larger and have a longer range than the two-seat EH216-S, which started commercial passenger flights under EHang’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-03-31/ehang-earns-worlds-first-evtol-air-operator-certificate">air operator certificate</a> in March. Earlier this year, the Civil Aviation Administration of China accepted EHang’s application for a type certificate, but it has said little publicly about the projected specifications for the new model, which is based on the earlier <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2022-01-04/ehang-secures-launch-order-longer-range-vt-30">VT30 prototype</a>.
According to EHang, the VT35 will feature improved flight controls and propulsion systems. The Guangzhou-based company said the aircraft will be suitable for medium- to long-range eVTOL air services, including flights between cities, to offshore locations, and over mountainous terrain.
<h2>$210 Million in Support Pledged</h2>
The city of Hefei, which is the capital of Anhui province, has agreed to invest almost ¥1 billion ($140 million) in the VT35 program. Local government officials have further pledged about $70 million to cover possible orders for the aircraft and further support for the company.
“Since we partnered with Hefei in 2023, we have reached many important milestones,” commented Huazhi Hu, EHang’s founder, chairman, and CEO. “These include launching EH216-S commercial flights, achieving a breakthrough in solid-state lithium eVTOL battery technology, and establishing the VT35 series product hub. Each step brings our shared vision closer to reality. Hefei’s strong supply chain and forward-thinking policies help us turn the city into a real-world innovation ground.”
Earlier this week, EHang also reported financial results for the second quarter of 2025, showing a 44.2% increase in revenues to ¥147.2 million ($20.5 million) compared with the same period in 2024, while still sustaining a $10.9 million operating loss. In the three months through June 30, EHang said it delivered 68 of the EH216-S aircraft to 13 customers in China and Japan.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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