EHang Holdings, a Chinese autonomous aerial vehicle technology platform company, has announced that it is extending its operations to the UAE.
This expansion involves joining the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) Cluster in Abu Dhabi.
According to the statement, “Additionally, a long-term strategic partnership has been formed with Wings Logistics Hub, the passenger eVTOLs (smart mobility) and logistics tech subsidiary of Technology Holding Company (THC), being the technology arm of EIH Ethmar International Holding.”
This partnership aims to collaboratively advance the development of urban air transportation and smart city management in the UAE and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The SAVI Cluster, situated in Masdar City and led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), is dedicated to establishing Abu Dhabi as a key hub for smart and autonomous vehicles.
SAVI provides state-of-the-art facilities and value-added services within a supportive regulatory framework. This initiative encourages innovation and aids in the commercial application of smart and autonomous vehicle technologies.
EHang, with its cutting-edge autonomous eVTOLs and the world’s first eVTOL type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), has formed a strategic partnership with Wings Logistics Hub. The goal of this partnership is to introduce EHang’s autonomous eVTOLs to the UAE.
As part of the strategic partnership, Wings Logistics Hub and EHang will work together to facilitate local certification and operations of the EH216 series eVTOLs in the UAE. This includes the EH216-S, EH216-L, and EH216-F models, which are designed for passenger transportation, aerial logistics, and firefighting respectively.
Wings Logistics Hub intends to buy up to 100 units of the EH216 series eVTOLs from EHang with initial deliveries set to commence in the first quarter of 2024.
Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of EHang, stated that, “We’re excited to share our involvement in the SAVI Cluster and our strategic alliance with Wings Logistics Hub and EIH as we broaden our reach in the UAE market. As the first company globally to receive a type certificate for an autonomous eVTOL from China’s national civil aviation authority, we’re eager to bring our leading-edge technologies to the UAE. Our aim is to work with our local partner to enhance safe, intelligent, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility in this region.”
