EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH), a world leader in urban air mobility (“UAM”) technology, has announced the successful debut business flight demonstrations of its certified EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicles in Guangzhou and Hefei. These events signified a major milestone in normalizing EH216-S flights for aerial sightseeing at local scenic spots, and for aerial mobility in China.
Each cities, strategic partners with EHang, were chosen as additional demonstration locations for UAM operations to ascertain a number one presence within 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, residents, and representatives from various sectors experienced EH216-S flights, highlighting significant interest on this revolutionary type of air mobility.
The primary 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 start 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 Enterprise Capital Fund.
In Hefei, the Luogang Central Park, transformed from the previous Hefei Luogang International Airport, has been designated as an electrical 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 buy a minimum of 100 units of EH216 series pilotless aerial vehicles or provide financing support of as much as US$100 million.
Recognizing the low-altitude economy as a strategic emerging industry, each 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 advertise high-quality development of the low-altitude economy, offering subsidies of as much as 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 business flight demonstrations would boost industry confidence and expedite its development.
In Hefei, the federal government launched the Motion Plan for Low-Altitude Economic Development of Hefei (2023-2025), outlining 20 guidelines to construct a low-altitude economy cluster, testing and airworthiness certification base, flight service and management platform, and business flight routes for aerial tourism and logistics.
Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang, emphasized the corporate’s progress in the worldwide UAM industry:
“We’re excited that EHang continues trailblazing in the worldwide 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 business flight demonstrations with certified EH216-S aircraft in Guangzhou and Hefei, we’re making regular progress towards business 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’re confident that our concerted efforts will ensure a smooth launch of economic operations for EH216-S in these pioneering cities within the near future.”
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