EHang to develop UAM demonstration project in Guangzhou, China

Autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company EHang has announced plans to develop an urban air mobility (UAM) demonstration project in Guangzhou, China.

In relation to this, the company has entered a strategic partnership with property developer Heli Chuangxin Real Estate.

Under this partnership, the partners will work on the infrastructure required for commercial in-city sightseeing UAM routes in the city.

The decision for the development also marks a milestone as the company prepares to launch commercial operations using its autonomous flying taxis.

Last month, the company conducted flight demos using 2 EHang passenger-grade AAVs in the downtown area and CBD of Guangzhou.

The vehicles performed vertical take-off from and landing at Heli Tiande Centre.

EHang founder, chairman and CEO Hu Huazhi said: “Today’s demo flights mark another key step forward in Guangzhou’s journey to making urban air mobility a reality and lead global efforts in such commercial operations.

“We are thrilled to be working together with our partners to enable safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly urban air travel as soon as possible.”

EHang and Guangzhou are also considering setting up a low-altitude air transportation network to enable the safe, quick and cost-efficient transfer of passengers and cargo.

If successful, the programme will see EHang test more flight routes and vertiports prior to launching commercial operations.

Last year, the technology developer partnered with express delivery company DHL-Sinotrans and retail company Yonghui to begin commercial operations of air cargo transportation in and near its home base in Guangzhou.

Earlier this year, the Civil Aviation Administration of China recognised EHang as the sole pilot company for passenger-grade AAV programmes in the country.

The company has so far safely completed more than 2,000 test flights both inside and outside of China.