EHang has received the world’s first type certification for unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its passenger-carrying pilotless eVTOL aircraft EH216-S. This paves the way for the Guangzhou-based start-up to conduct passenger-carrying UAV commercial operations. “Our self-developed EH216-S passenger-carrying UAV system has finally met high expectation to secure the first TC [type certification] in the global eVTOL industry, marking a significant chapter in civil aviation history. Embracing the TC as our springboard, we will launch commercial operations of the EH216-S unmanned eVTOLs, prioritising safety above all,” states chairman, founder and chief executive, Hu Huazhi. “This will enable us to steadily progress towards our strategic goal to be a UAM platform operator, and commit to our mission to enable safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility accessible to everyone,” he adds. The certification puts it ahead of other competitors. German developer Volocopter is targeting 2024 for type certification, while UK-based Vertical Aerospace pushed back its target for certification to 2026 from 2025. Meanwhile, US developer Joby Aviation has completed two of five stages in the Federal Aviation Administration's type certification process as of February.

Middle Eastern budget carrier Flydubai plans to resume flights to Afghanistan's capital Kabul on 15 November. The route will be operated twice daily, says Flydubai. It notes that it serves more than 115 destinations across 54 countries with its fleet of 78 Boeing 737s.

Aerolineas Argentinas plans to add 12 Embraer 195-E2s to replace its existing E190-E1s. The Argentinian flag carrier says the E195-E2s will begin to arrive in 2024, with delivery expected to be completed in 2026. This aircraft offers 136 seats compared to 96 seats in the current Embraer fleet of 26 aircraft. Aerolineas Argentinas in late July issued a request for proposals to lease a dozen of E2 aircraft, seeking a lease term of 12 years. It also recently added a new Airbus A330, its tenth in the Airbus fleet. It has also added a Boeing 737 Max, the ninth in the Max fleet. Fleets data shows the airline's fleet of 84 aircraft includes 26 E190s.