Ha Noi pilots flying taxis at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park
VGP - The Ha Noi Department of Science and Technology and Hung Viet Investment Trading and Technology JSC have signed a cooperation agreement to study and propose a controlled pilot of flying taxis, or electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park.
An overview of the signing ceremony between the Ha Noi Department of Science and Technology and Hung Viet Investment Trading and Technology JSC on an agreement to study and propose a controlled pilot of flying taxis in Ha Noi, September 28, 2026
The agreement, signed on September 28, covers research, development and controlled testing of autonomous eVTOL aircraft developed by Chinese company EHang for passenger and cargo transport, as part of Ha Noi's efforts to develop a low-altitude economy.
Under the agreement, the two sides will propose a sandbox program for the controlled testing of the EH-216S eVTOL aircraft at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. The program will also include the development of an unmanned aircraft system traffic management model and an Operations Control Center (OCC).
The planned pilot will be conducted in four stages in compliance with Vietnamese regulations and international safety standards, according to the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park Management Board. Following the controlled testing, the two sides will study an appropriate commercial model for the low-altitude economy, subject to the results of the pilot and relevant approvals.
The cooperation also covers technical training in unmanned aircraft operations, the development of an eVTOL operations and management center, and the formulation of technical standards and regulations governing aircraft operations and flight safety.
The two sides will further promote technology transfer and technical exchanges, with the aim of developing Ha Noi's capacity to master and apply eVTOL technology.
The company will provide the technological, technical, financial and human resources needed for the sandbox program from October 2026 and prepare the proposal dossier in line with regulations. The actual controlled testing in Ha Noi will be carried out only after the municipal administration issues a decision approving the pilot.
Deputy chairman of the Ha Noi administration Truong Viet Dung, Ha Noi, September 28, 2026 - Photo: Tuoi Tre
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi People's Committee Truong Viet Dung said the flying taxi pilot would be unprecedented in the city.
He said the initiative could create new economic momentum and stimulate the development of a range of sectors, including data, infrastructure, human resources and, particularly, emerging aviation engineering.
If successfully tested and subsequently put into practical use, the technology could also contribute to easing traffic congestion in Ha Noi, Truong said.
He called on the Department of Science and Technology, Hung Viet and relevant agencies to accelerate preparations and complete the necessary procedures for submitting the sandbox proposal to the municipal authorities for consideration and approval./.
