EHang Holdings Ltd, developer of the EH216 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bao’an District of Shenzhen municipality outlining a strategic partnership in urban air mobility (UAM) for commercial operations of EH216-S aircraft. The announcement follows the completion of EH216-S type certification. The two entities will jointly develop UAM use cases, systems and routes to build Shenzhen as a “national low-altitude economy development demonstration city.” Leveraging the resources of Bao’an District, EHang plans to establish the company’s first UAM Operation Demonstration Center at OH Bay, an urban landmark in Shenzhen, and to launch aerial tourism and sightseeing services with EH216-S aircraft.
Plans call for the district’s government to provide comprehensive support for EH216-S AAV (autonomous aerial vehicle) procurement, financial leasing, infrastructure construction, and low-altitude operations in the area. Along with this commitment from the local government, EHang plans to establish an EH216-S AAV Assembly and Delivery Center, a Research and Development Testing Center, and a Maintenance Support Center in Bao’an District to ensure local UAM operational services.
In further news, EHang announced it has entered into share subscription agreements for $23 million in private placement transactions with several strategic investors led by Lee Soo Man, a South Korean music producer and entrepreneur, and the founder of K-pop and SM Entertainment, a South Korean multinational entertainment company listed on KOSDAQ. EHang and Lee Soo Man will collaborate to drive the development of UAM business in the Asia-Pacific region.
This latest move continues EHang’s development of partnerships not only with regional governments of China but with partners in the Asia-Pacific and globally.
An enthusiast of aerospace technologies, government, and military history, Steven spent his undergraduate life at the University of Connecticut as a member and eventual president of the Astronomy Club. Throughout his educational career, Steven has, in particular, focused on the continent of Asia, studying the politics, culture, and technology of the region. After spending time in the field of education, Steven was brought onto Forecast International to provide his multidisciplinary experience to the team, assisting other analysts with projects involving the Department of Defense budget and database updates.
