Flying cars may still sound like something from a science fiction movie, but that future may be closer than many Malaysians realise. Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan has reportedly become the first Malaysian to fly aboard a pilotless electric air taxi during a visit to Guangzhou, China.
He travelled aboard the EHang EH216-S, an autonomous electric aircraft designed to take off and land vertically without a runway or an onboard pilot.
A Pilotless Flight Above Guangzhou
The flight took place at EHang’s headquarters in Guangzhou. A video shared by Berjaya Corporation showed Vincent Tan sitting inside the aircraft and recording the experience with his mobile phone.
As the pilotless aircraft prepared to leave the ground, he could be heard saying, “OK, we’re gonna take off now,” before reacting with a surprised “Wow”.
The EH216-S is an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, commonly known as an eVTOL. The two-seater aircraft is designed for short-range, low-altitude passenger journeys.
Unlike a traditional helicopter, the pilotless air taxi does not require anyone to control it from inside the cabin. Its autonomous system manages the journey while passengers sit inside the aircraft.
“Better Than A Helicopter”
Despite travelling without an onboard pilot, Vincent Tan appeared calm and comfortable throughout the flight.
After experiencing the pilotless air taxi, he compared it with travelling in a conventional helicopter.
“I think this is better than a helicopter,” he said.
He was also impressed by its relatively low noise level.
“The noise wasn’t too bad, I didn’t use headphones,” Vincent Tan added.
Helicopter passengers commonly wear headsets because of the loud noise produced by the engine and rotor blades. Electric aircraft such as the EH216-S are being developed as potentially quieter alternatives for short-distance travel.
Berjaya Corporation later said that although pilotless aviation technology may be expensive today, it could become more accessible as it continues to develop.
The company suggested that futuristic transportation similar to what people have seen in The Jetsons or The Fifth Element could eventually become a reality for the public.
How The Pilotless Air Taxi Works
The EH216-S can take off and land vertically, meaning it does not require a conventional airport runway.
This could potentially allow pilotless air taxis to operate from smaller designated landing areas within cities. They could eventually be used for airport transfers, sightseeing, emergency services or short journeys across congested urban locations.
However, commercial operations will require strict safety standards, suitable infrastructure and approval from aviation regulators.
Operating costs, public confidence and the ability to safely manage multiple aircraft in low-altitude airspace will also determine how quickly the technology can be introduced.
Malaysia Is Preparing For Pilotless Air Travel
Vincent Tan’s journey comes as Malaysia strengthens its preparations for an emerging low-altitude economy involving drones, air taxis and other low-flying aircraft.
On 3 August 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia published its proposed Malaysia Low Altitude Economy Framework for public consultation.
The framework outlines the country’s proposed direction for developing the sector safely, securely and sustainably. It also includes advanced air mobility and eVTOL operations as part of Malaysia’s future transportation landscape.
The public consultation is scheduled to close on 2 September 2026, allowing government agencies, industry players and other stakeholders to provide feedback.
Malaysia has explored eVTOL technology for several years. However, pilotless passenger services will still require clear regulations, approved operating procedures and supporting infrastructure before they can become part of daily transportation.
For now, Vincent Tan’s flight offers Malaysians an early glimpse of a future in which travelling across a city could mean taking to the sky without a pilot.
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