EHang Holdings Limited (“EHang” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EH), the world’s leading urban air mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, announced that it is extending its operations to the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”). This expansion involves joining the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (“SAVI”) Cluster in Abu Dhabi. 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”), the technology arm of EIH Ethmar International Holding. This partnership aims to 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 critical hub for intelligent 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 commercialising smart and independent 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. This partnership aims 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, designed for passenger transportation, aerial logistics, and firefighting.
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. Mohamed Al Dhaheri, a Wings Logistics Hub board member, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with EHang to establish their inaugural international operations in Abu Dhabi. “Introducing electric aviation to the UAE is anticipated to alleviate congestion with zero emissions and, consequently, attract significant foreign direct investment and generate thousands of jobs in the region over the next decade. We take pride in our participation in the SAVI Cluster and remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing smart and autonomous vehicle technologies for passenger transportation, mobility, logistics, and smart city management in the UAE,” Mr Mohamed Al Dhaheri said.
Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, CEO and Chairman of EHang, stated, “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. We aim to work with our local partner to enhance this region’s safe, intelligent, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility.”
