EHang's EH216-S Makes Historic Middle East Debut, Paving the Way for Autonomous Air Travel Expansion
EHang completes its first passenger-carrying flight in the Middle East, showcasing its autonomous air taxi technology. The company plans to launch commercial flights in the UAE and expand its operations in the Middle East. EHang strengthens its presence in the region through strategic partnerships and agreements.
EHang, a Chinese flying taxi business, announced on Monday that it has completed the first autonomous passenger-carrying flight in the Middle East as part of its expansion plans.
The EH216-S, EHang's flagship pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOL), took off in Abu Dhabi, according to the company, which is attempting to capitalise on a burgeoning "low-altitude" economy, a collection of industries related to aerial vehicles operating at altitudes less than 1,000 metres.
EHang's founder and CEO Hu Huazhi announced plans to commence commercial flights with its pilotless aircraft in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Middle Eastern countries.
“We will actively foster collaboration and communications between the General Civil Aviation Authority [of the UAE] and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to expedite the progress,” Hu was said to have said in the statement.
EHang, headquartered in Guangzhou, the capital of southern Guangdong province, is pushing up attempts to expand its footprint in the Middle East market.
The company entered the region late last year through a strategic agreement with Wings Logistics Hub, a logistics technology branch of Ethmar International Holding (EIH), an Abu Dhabi-based investment organisation linked to the UAE's ruling family.
The collaboration will see EHang supply up to 100 of its EH216 series eVTOL vehicles, including the EH216-S, EH216-L, and EH216-F, which are designed for passenger transport, airborne logistics, and firefighting in high-rise structures.
Last month, EHang reached an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Multi Level Group, an EIH financial technology subsidiary, as the Chinese company seeks to establish a regional headquarters in the UAE capital to expand its businesses ranging from manufacturing and flight operations to research and development.
In China, the CAAC has given the first Type Certificate, Production Certificate, and Standard Airworthiness Certificate for pilotless eVTOL to EHang's self-developed EH216-S. The accreditation removed the regulatory barrier for EHang to fly autonomous commercial flights in its own nation.
The EH216-S, which costs 2.39 million yuan (about US$330,000) in mainland China and US$410,000 internationally, was initially revealed in February 2018 and has purportedly performed over 42,000 successful test flights in more than 14 nations.
Shares of Nasdaq-listed EHang rose more than 1% in pre-market trade on Tuesday, following a 7.5% increase on Monday.
EHang completes its first passenger-carrying flight in the Middle East, showcasing its autonomous air taxi technology.
The company plans to launch commercial flights in the UAE and expand its operations in the Middle East.
EHang strengthens its presence in the region through strategic partnerships and agreements.
Source: SCMP