EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH), a global leader in urban air mobility (“UAM”) technology, has announced the successful debut commercial flight demonstrations of its certified EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicles in Guangzhou and Hefei. These events signified a significant milestone in normalizing EH216-S flights for aerial sightseeing at local scenic spots, and for aerial mobility in China.
Both cities, strategic partners with EHang, were chosen as additional demonstration locations for UAM operations to establish a leading presence in the emerging low-altitude economy industry.
The grand launch events at Jiulong Lake Park in Guangzhou and Luogang Central Park in Hefei showcased the EH216-S aircraft, which had obtained Standard Airworthiness Certificates from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Government officials, citizens, and representatives from various sectors experienced EH216-S flights, highlighting significant interest in this innovative form of air mobility.
The first EH216-S passenger-carrying unmanned aerial vehicle, equipped with the world’s first standard airworthiness certificate, was successfully delivered to ETON, an intelligent aviation technology subsidiary. Operational sites, including Jiulong Lake in Guangzhou and more under development in Huangpu district, mark the beginning of EH216-S deployment for aerial sightseeing and logistics.
Guangzhou Development District Communications Investment Group Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Industrial Investment Capital jointly announced the establishment of a RMB 10 billion Guangzhou Development District Low-Altitude Industry Venture Capital Fund.
In Hefei, the Luogang Central Park, transformed from the former Hefei Luogang International Airport, has been designated as an electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft operation site. The Hefei government plans to collaborate with EHang to expand aerial sightseeing flight routes to more scenic spots.
Under a strategic partnership agreement with EHang, the Hefei Municipal Government plans to purchase at least 100 units of EH216 series pilotless aerial vehicles or provide financing support of up to US$100 million.
Recognizing the low-altitude economy as a strategic emerging industry, both Guangzhou and Hefei have positioned themselves as pivotal gateways for China’s emerging low-altitude economy. The Guangzhou Huangpu district government has released detailed rules to promote high-quality development of the low-altitude economy, offering subsidies of up to RMB 30 million for eligible projects.
Mr. Jie Chen, Standing Committee Member of Guangzhou Municipal Committee, Executive Vice Mayor of Guangzhou, and Secretary of Huangpu District Committee, expressed confidence that the debut commercial flight demonstrations would boost industry confidence and expedite its development.
In Hefei, the government launched the Action Plan for Low-Altitude Economic Development of Hefei (2023-2025), outlining 20 guidelines to build a low-altitude economy cluster, testing and airworthiness certification base, flight service and management platform, and commercial flight routes for aerial tourism and logistics.
Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang, emphasized the company’s progress in the global UAM industry:
“We are excited that EHang continues trailblazing in the global emerging UAM industry. From the world’s first-of-its-kind pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicle system type certificate, our first delivery with standard airworthiness certificate, to today’s debut commercial flight demonstrations with certified EH216-S aircraft in Guangzhou and Hefei, we are making steady progress towards commercial operations, as planned. This rapid advancement has been bolstered by the unwavering support of our partners, regulators and national policies focused on developing China’s low-altitude economy, especially in UAM. We are confident that our concerted efforts will ensure a smooth launch of commercial operations for EH216-S in these pioneering cities in the near future.”
Read more:
- EHang Announces New Milestones on Air Taxi Type Certification in China
- EHang Announces $23 Million Private Placement to Support Development of Urban Air Mobility
- EHang EH216: First Autonomous Passenger Carrying Flight in Japan
- EHang Named One of Top Chinese Stocks with Best Investment Value
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.