Results for: ehang 216

EHang announced that its EH216 AAV has successfully completed a demo flight tour across 4 cities in Japan in July and expanded its footprint for the first time into the Kansai region, Kyushu region and Shikoku region after its demo flights in Okayama and Fukushima cities last year.

On July 18th, EH216 made an appearance on the ceremonial day marking the 1,000-day countdown to the opening of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. These recent unmanned EH216 demo flights in Japan included over-the-sea flights as well as point-to-point flights.

With the support of EHang’s local partners, including Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group, this EH216 flight tour in 4 Japanese cities made multiple breakthroughs in exploring urban air mobility use cases such as aerial sightseeing over the sea, air mobility, and smart logistics in Japan. On July 6, EH216 performed Japan’s first eVTOL demo flight over the sea for aerial sightseeing in Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture. On July 13, EH216 completed Japan’s first eVTOL point-to-point demo flight for air mobility in Oita City in Oita Prefecture. On July 21, EH216 conducted a demo flight carrying 80 kilograms of cargos for logistics transportation in Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture. Other than flight demos, EH216 has also been exhibited in downtown Oita on July 14 to further expand public cognition and interest in UAM for its future operations in Japan.

The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will introduce new and innovative VTOL technology to the public and has plans to use eVTOL vehicles for visitor transportation at the Expo. Japanese authorities have established a public-private council for air transportation reformation in accelerating the implementation of related schemes and roadmaps. On the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai 1000-day countdown ceremonial day, EH216 successfully completed a demo flight in Amagasaki City in Hyogo Prefecture, witnessed by local government officials and the Consulate-General of China in Osaka as well as press, in order to assist local authorities in exploring the application of autonomous air mobility solutions and promote eVTOL flights at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Why it’s important: EH216’s flexibility in operability across multiple locales in quick succession are exemplary of the types of operation that eVTOL and AAM aircraft will support in the future. While the various use cases of EHang’s flights might not all be served in a single day of eVTOL operation, in certain situations they might be able to, if the need arises. Additionally, EHang’s increased flight footprint in Japan provides the opportunity for additional air traffic infrastructure to be laid in countries other than EHang’s native China, which will advance the global regulatory progression of UAM as well.

EHang has today announced the completion of its maiden flight in Korea at this year’s “Open the Urban Sky” Demo Event in Seoul. Following the demonstration, the company plans to fly the 216 prototype over several major Korean cities showcasing its autonomous capabilities.

The maiden flight was approved by Korea’s MOLIT after obtaining a special certificate of airworthiness for the model, the first of its kind for an eVTOL vehicle.

The Acting Mayor of Seoul, Seo Jeong-hyup said, “The air taxi is a dream of mankind for the future transportation. We are excited that Seoul can host the country’s first domestic demo flight. Seoul is pioneering itself as an innovative hub of the world. Urban air mobility services are drawing keen attentions as an option to alleviate ground traffic congestions with a huge potential for growth. The city government will strive to realize the human dream of safe flights for Seoul citizens and thus support the future industry of Korea.”

EHang obtained SAC issued by MOLIT; Lee Rang, the Director of Drone Transport Division, MOLIT (left); Cora Tang, the Senior Vice President of EHang (right)

The Korean government has committed itself to the commercialization of aerial mobility with the announcment of the Korean Urban Air Mobility (K-UAM) roadmap earlier this year. The country aims to offer commercial UAM services beginning as early as 2023.

EHang Founder, Chairman and CEO, Huazhi Hu said, “We are glad to see the Korean government taking the initiative in planning and implementing urban air mobility in Asia. This pioneering Special Certificate of Airworthiness marks a leap for both parties and builds on our regulatory breakthroughs in China, Europe, and America. We are excited to be the world’s first company to provide safe, comfortable, efficient and eco-friendly urban mobility solutions to Korea. We expect to accelerate UAM development and to expand in the Korea market in the near future.”

Why it matters: EHang adds South Korea to its growing international list of demonstration flights and bolsters its relationships with foreign governments to bring its EHang 216 prototype to market. Expect to see more of these flights around the country as EHang continues to demonstrate its technical prowess and winning business strategy.

EHang Holdings Limited “Ehang” has announced its progress towards obtaining the Production Certificate (PC) and Airworthiness Certificate (AC) for the EH216-S, its self-developed passenger-carrying Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system. This milestone has been achieved in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Under the guidance of the CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration, EHang is diligently working to obtain their Production Certificate for the EH216-S and commence production of the EH216-S according to its Type Certificate (TC). Documentation review and practical assessments are now complete, and inspection and testing at the facility are well underway. The inaugural batch of EH216-S passenger-carrying UAVs is slated to roll off the production line in the fourth quarter of 2023, with customer deliveries set to follow.

Earlier this month on October 13th, the CAAC officially granted the Type Certificate for the EH216-S passenger-carrying aircraft. This achievement features one of the first civil aviation agencies to approve the certification of an eVTOL aircraft. The certification process for the EH216-S TC adhered to airworthiness standards originally established for manned aircraft, further affirming the ability of eVTOL aircraft to meet the same safety and performance standards.

The EH216-S TC is a world-first for passenger-carrying unmanned Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, showcasing the CAAC’s recognition of the importance of aerial mobility aircraft within the future landscape. EHang is dedicated to continuously optimizing the product’s performance to enhance public safety.

The Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS), released alongside the TC, outlines the aircraft’s operational restrictions and progressive risk approach. This approach prioritizes safe operations and public accountability, ensuring the EH216-S’s introduction into urban airspace proceeds cautiously and methodically.

For the initial phase, EHang has agreed to operational limitations in consultation with the CAAC, gradually lifting restrictions to enable comprehensive unmanned commercial operations in urban areas. Stringent safety measures will include extra observers and a prohibition on flights over water, although exceptions may apply for aerial tourism, sightseeing experiences, and other low-altitude flights over certain water bodies as needed.

Why it’s important: The EH216-S has also successfully completed high-altitude test flights, confirming its capabilities for operations in challenging environments. EHang’s commitment to safety and gradual expansion of operational scenarios and altitudes is leading the way in China’s aerial mobility scene. Note that it is not determined at this time what bilateral regulatory agreements are in place that would allow EHang’s certification of the EH216-S in China to apply to other countries/agencies. To complicate matters further, the current regulatory framework for eVTOL certification is fragmented and requires additional burden on the Applicant to show compliance in a variety of methods for different system safety design criteria to meet standards for JCAB, EASA, and FAA to name a few.

EHang has announced that the company has achieved a significant milestone for EH216-S TC by successfully completing all of the planned tests and flights in the last phase of demonstration and verification of compliance, and also completed the definitive TC Flight Test by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (“CAAC”), with unwavering endeavors throughout past 31 months since the CAAC officially accepted the Company’s TC application in January 2021.

This is the last milestone before obtaining the type certificate, and also the result of the unwavering efforts of EHang team. After finishing the remaining procedures, the Company expects to obtain the type certificate of EH216-S Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System from the CAAC soon.

Since the time when CAAC officially accepted the EH216-S TC application in January 2021, EHang has entered into an extensive 30 month long flight test campaign. During this period, EHang made several configuration changes ranging from battery, environment, material, strength, electronics, software, data link to ground control station.

The company now believes they have sufficiently proved that EH216-S meets the safety standards and airworthiness requirements by the CAAC, through scientific approaches, multi-angle demonstrations, rigorous testing, and continuous optimizations.

Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang, commented, “We’ve made remarkable progress in our pursuit of long-term growth. Notably, we are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed all the planned tests for EH216-S type certification. This achievement marks a significant unprecedented milestone in the global emerging eVTOL industry, underscoring our unwavering dedication and pioneering advantages. Additionally, this sets the stage for us to secure the type certificate soon and proceed with our endeavors to initiate commercial operations. I would like to express my gratitude to the CAAC’s officials and the review team as well as the Company’s airworthiness certification team for their unwavering efforts and persevering spirits. It is their professionalism, exceptional technological expertise, and collaborations that have led us to our impressive achievement today. I believe the remaining procedures will be finished very soon before the official authorization of the type certificate. It will pave the way for our commercial operations in the next stage.”

Why it matters: To date, EHang will be the first TC program for unmanned eVTOL by a major aviation regulatory agency. With many commercial venture and partnerships in place, expect EHang to quickly manufacture and deliver its EH216-S eVTOL to many public and private operators throughout the country.

Source: EHang Press Release

EHang announced on April 11 that it has secured the largest pre-order to date for passenger grade AAV’s in Asia. This new strategic partnership between EHang and Prestige Aviation will greatly advance the rollout of aerial mobility services in Indonesia, and EHang’s UAM technology would be able to contribute to the Indonesian new capital Nusantara’s Smart City initiative.

The pre-order from Prestige Aviation, a subsidiary of Prestige Corp, was for 100 units of EH216 AAVs. Previously, Prestige Aviation purchased one unit of EH216 from EHang, and the two parties jointly conducted a debut flight demonstration for aerial sightseeing in Bali, Indonesia in 2021.

Rudy Salim, Executive Chairman of Prestige Aviation, said, “EHang has long been a crucial partner to Prestige Aviation. As a forerunner of Indonesia’s sustainable transportation, we hope that we can address the Indonesian public’s need for aerial transportation and therefore, we are ready to support the Indonesian new capital Nusantara’s Smart City initiative with EH216 AAVs. Indonesia is an archipelagic country with more than 17,000 islands within its borders. Therefore, a new transportation mode that can facilitate inter-island mobility will undoubtedly help regional economies to grow exponentially, assisted by its low cost when compared to other conventional land routes. We will join hands with EHang to bring safe, efficient, economical and eco-friendly transport solutions to facilitate inter-island mobility and many other scenarios in Indonesia.”

Hu Huazhi, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang, attended the online ceremony and commented, “We sincerely appreciate all the support and recognition of Prestige Aviation and our expanding network of partners, which inspire EHang to further expand our global market. We will continue our in-depth collaboration with Prestige Aviation on UAM in Indonesia. We believe that, as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (“RCEP”) brings favorable policies to international cooperation, we will further accelerate the development of UAM in Asia Pacific region with the aim to benefit the people with cutting-edge AAV technologies.”

Why it’s important: This pre-order for EHang 216 AAV’s allows Indonesia to be well poised for future progress in the aerial mobility space and also emphasizes the importance of many global regions’ progress and preparation for a future with democratized aviation as a cornerstone of transportation infrastructure.

EHang announced today its flagship passenger-grade AAV EHang 216 successfully performed its maiden Japan unmanned and autonomous trial flight to showcase safe, autonomous, eco-friendly aerial mobility aircraft operations. Ahead of the trial flight, the EHang 216 obtained a trial flight permit from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (“MLIT”) with a local partner. EHang 216 was the first passenger-grade AAV granted permission for outdoor open airspace trial flights in Japan.

One of the trial flights was completed at the “Leading the Revolution of Urban Air Mobility” event, organized by the Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group (“MASC”) and EHang at Kasaoka Air Station in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Looking ahead, EHang and MASC will collaborate to further develop new air transportation use cases in Japan. 

The 216 AAV flying above a small airstrip in rural Japan. Image // EHang

At the event, the Chief Cabinet Secretary Mr. Kato Katsunobu appointed his secretary, Mr. Sugihara Yohei, to attend the event and delivered a speech on his behalf, saying, “At present, many companies around the world have launched such flying car projects, and are conducting research and development and demonstration projects. As the government, we will actively improve aviation regulations while supporting private enterprises in a timely and appropriate manner. “

Other guests included Ms. Ito Kaori, the Mayor of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Mr. Yoshifumi Kobayashi, the Mayor of Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Mr. Inoue Mineichi, the Head of the Kurashiki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mr. Sugimoto Tetsuya, the Head of Kasaoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

 In 2018, the Japanese government established the “Public-Private Council for Air Transportation Revolution” and formulated a Roadmap towards Air Transportation Revolution. The Council aims to start the business services of air transportation of goods and people utilizing flying vehicles by 2023 with gradual expansion from rural areas to urban areas. According to the blueprint, the Civil Aviation Bureau of the MLIT is studying and improving related systems such as the type and airworthiness safety standards for flying cars and the certification of pilots.

Watch a video of the trial flight on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/2WaYLNG5zX0 

Why it’s important: While the first flight of the 216 AAV in Japan is a momentous occasion, more important than the flight itself is the means by which EHang applied for and was granted approval through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (“MLIT”) in conjunction with a local partner. These approvals are key to authorization for initial flight testing, and in the future, more widespread authorizations for operations of aerial mobility aircraft for fare paying passengers.

EHang has announced the opening of its first European UAM Center in Spain. Located inside the Lleida–Alguaire International Airport, the center represents the first-of-its-kind in Europe for unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, setting a benchmark globally for the effective integration of eVTOL aircraft operation with airport infrastructure, air traffic management systems, operational procedures, and other information technologies.

The center is the product of a collaboration agreement signed between EHang and Aeroports de Catalunya in the field of UAM and will enable European aviation and airport sectors to be positioned at the forefront of global Advanced Air Mobility.

The EH216-S deployed at EHang’s European UAM Center will foster the accumulation of operational experience as well as invaluable knowledge. By integrating vast flight experience gathered from various locations worldwide, this collective information can be leveraged to the development of technological solutions, regulations, processes and procedures for the safe and efficient integration of eVTOL aircraft into European airspace in the future. 

The UAM Center includes a vertiport that is fully compliant with EASA’s design criteria and will enable seamlessly incorporation with the airport terminal, platform, control tower, equipment, procedures and regulations. This state-of-the-art vertiport will set a benchmark for global UAM infrastructure and accumulate a vast amount of knowledge and expertise on the vertiport establishment and operations, which will enable intelligent eVTOL operating models and facilitate their smart deployment across multiple locations.

During the inauguration event, Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang, stated, “The establishment of EHang’s European UAM Center marks an important step forward in the company’s international development. Through this world-class UAM center, EHang expects to manifest its strong commitment with the development and deployment of UAM in Europe. EHang aims to share our certified and validated technology and operational experience with our partners around the world in the future to make our shared vision for benefiting all of society with safe, autonomous and eco-friendly UAM solutions.”

Why it matters: Less than one month ago, China’s aviation regulatory body, CAAC, awarded EHang a Type Certificate of its EH216-S eVTOL. The company now sets its eyes globally as it will try to certify its EH216-S eVTOL in Europe and the United States, the two largest aerial mobility markets. This operational center offers EHang to demonstrate to regulators it has the prowess to achieve additional type certificates.

Source: EHang Press Release

EHang has announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bao’an District Government of Shenzhen municipality on a comprehensive strategic partnership in urban air mobility for commercial operations of EH216-S AAVs following the completion of the EH216-S type certification. Bao’an District and EHang will jointly develop UAM use cases, systems and routes to build Shenzhen as a national low-altitude economy development demonstration city. Leveraging the high-quality resources of Bao’an District, EHang plans to establish the company’s first UAM Operation Demonstration Center at the OH Bay, an urban landmark in Shenzhen, and to launch aerial tourism and sightseeing experience services with EH216-S AAVs.

Under this strategic partnership, the Bao’an District Government will provide comprehensive support for EH216-S AAV procurement, financial leasing, infrastructure construction, and low-altitude operations in the area. Based on that, EHang plans to establish an EH216-S AAV Assembly and Delivery Center, a Research and Development Testing Center, as well as a Maintenance Support Center in Bao’an District in the future to ensure local UAM operational services.

Mr. Meng Jinjin, Executive Deputy District Mayor of Bao’an District, expressed, “Bao’an District has been committed to providing a favorable market environment and policy framework for enterprises in the low-altitude economy industry and highly values the innovative development of the new aviation industry. EHang, as a global leader in the UAM industry, boasts extensive experience in the research, development, production, and operations of passenger-carrying AAVs. Starting with the UAM Operation Demonstration Center at the OH Bay, we aspire to further collaborate with EHang to carry out various UAM projects in Bao’an District, with a goal to develop more than 10 routes within this year. We believe our partnership with EHang will drive the prosperity of the low-altitude economy in Bao’an District and bring a more convenient and efficient way of life to Shenzhen for a prosperous blueprint for the low-altitude economy.”

Mr. Xin Fang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, stated, “Shenzhen is a city full of innovative vitality and possesses a strong foundation in intelligent manufacturing with expansive market demands for the development of the low-altitude economy, which the city is currently vigorously promoting. As a global leader in the AAV industry, we are delighted to collaborate with the Bao’an District Government of Shenzhen municipality to jointly explore UAM operations. We look forward to contributing EHang’s expertise to establishing a low-altitude service ecosystem by advancing the sales, uses, and maintenance of EH216-S AAVs to ultimately nurture high-quality development of the low-altitude economy in Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.”

Since the beginning of this year, Shenzhen municipality has continued to strengthen its support for the low-altitude economy industry. Shenzhen’s 2023 Government Work Report proposed to establish a Low-Altitude Economy Center and a Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Demonstration Zone, and put the Regulations on Promotion of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Low-Altitude Economy Industry as its key legislative project. Bao’an District is a core aviation industrial hub in Shenzhen, with a robust manufacturing foundation and well-established supply chain that possesses strong advantages for the development of the low-altitude economy. The OH Bay, a Shenzhen’s landmark located in the center of Bao’an District, has a prosperous and developed cultural and tourism industry, which will provide a broad market prospect for EH216-S AAVs to be the first eVTOL aircraft to launch and operate in this area.

EHang and Shenzhen Bao’an District Form Strategic Partnership for UAM Operation Center – YouTube

Why it matters: EHang continues to make impressive progress with local municipalities in its home country. Expect to see similar partnerships for EHang and other eVTOL makers as manufacturers look for creative ways to market and operate their aircraft.

Source: EHang Press Release

EHang has reached another milestone in development of its EH216 eVTOL announcing this week they have completed a fully autonomous flight with passengers on board.

The flight was conducted along Tanoura Beach in Oita, Japan under the approval of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism of Japan. Onboard were two passengers and no pilot as the EH216 completed a short, autonomous flight profile.

Sato Kiichiro, Mayor of Oita, Oita Prefecture, Japan, attended the event and delivered a speech saying, “Last July, EH216 completed its Japan’s first point-to-point trial flight in Oita, receiving overwhelming responses. Today, EH216 takes on the challenge of passenger-carrying flight here, and I am very pleased to witness this moment. I hope that today’s passenger-carrying flight test will accelerate autonomous aerial vehicles to take a further step toward practical use cases, so that this industry full of opportunities could be in full swing.”

Xin Fang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, stated, “Over the past two years, EH216 has achieved one milestone after another in Japan with several rounds of demo and trial flights. This year brought passengers the possibility of riding in the air with this cutting-edge product and technology. All these milestones are inextricably linked to the support and trust of MLIT of Japan, local government departments, and our partners. EHang has also demonstrated the reliability of our AAV products. We will continue working with our partners to promote safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly UAM solutions in Japan so as to benefit more people worldwide with our passenger-grade AAVs.”

Why it matters: EHang has a strong relationship with Japan’s aviation regulatory agency and other industry groups in the area. Last year, the company completed several demonstration flights in the region and the continues to parter with stakeholders in Japan on highlighting the business case and opportunities for the Japanese UAM industry.

Chinese Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (“AAV”) technology platform company, EHang, announced that the EH216 AAV has completed its maiden flight by the Spanish National Police (“SNP”) at the National Academy of Police in Ávila, Spain, to initiate its trial operations by SNP in Spain. 

The public maiden flight ceremony was attended and witnessed by distinguished guests and officials from the Spanish State for Security, SNP, the Spanish State Aviation Safety Agency (“AESA”), members of academic institutions, as well as the media. 

By partnering with EHang since October 2021, SNP plans to utilize EH216 aircraft in emergency and public safety missions; such as accessing contaminated areas with nuclear, radiological, bacteriological or chemical risks, landing in confined areas, aerial logistics, and other police services that may require agile and efficient aerial mobility.

The maiden flight ceremony was presided by Rafael Pérez, the Secretary of the Spanish State for Security. “The SNP is the first security institution in the European Union to operate an AAV. Unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”) constitute an alternative technological asset for multiple purposes, such as deployment in dangerous areas following a natural disaster or an accident, without endangering human lives. The lower operating costs of UAS and their constant new applications show great advantages over traditional aerial means,” Pérez said. 

Pedro Prieto, the Director of Aerial Means of Spanish National Police, noted, “The capability to operate the EH216 AAV from a remote command and control station, which may be hundreds of kilometers away, reflects the National Police’s commitment to fulfill its digital transformation objectives.” 

Victoria Jing Xiang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang Europe and Latin America, shared, “EHang is proud to partner with a law enforcement agency and support SNP with our AAV technologies to fulfill emergency response and public safety missions. SNP’s entry into trial operation of EH216 AAV lays a foundation for the deployment of Urban Air Mobility in Europe and sets an excellent example of commitment to public safety through advancing technology.”

Why it’s important: EHang has continued to extended its reach in Europe, now with the launch of trial operations in Spain. A successful partnership with the SSP will build Ehang’s global credibility, and continue its path toward reputable commercial operations, as the company competes with other international manufacturers to edge market share in this budding industry.