EHang Partners with China Southern Airlines General Aviation to Operate Unmanned eVTOL Aircraft
Shanghai (Gasgoo) – EHang, a leading urban air mobility technology platform company, has recently signed a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company Limited (CSGAC), a unit under China Southern Airlines. This partnership aims to focus on operating and providing comprehensive support for EHang’s unmanned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with the goal of developing new business models in the low-altitude economy.
The collaboration between EHang and CSGAC will kick off by establishing demonstration sites for low-altitude tours using the EH216-S eVTOL at popular tourist destinations in Zhuhai, such as Zhuhai Jiuzhou Airport and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. These sites will offer regular low-altitude flight services and experiences, while also exploring various applications for low-altitude UAV services, including inter-island logistics, emergency transportation, and medical evacuation around the Zhuhai islands.
Both parties will leverage their strengths and resources to provide comprehensive support for low-altitude flight services, including training operational teams, building infrastructure for take-off and landing, establishing flight service platforms, and setting operational and maintenance standards. Together, they aim to lead the cooperative operation of unmanned eVTOLs.
EHang’s EH216-S unmanned aerial vehicle completes flight over Zhuhai Grand Theatre; photo credit: EHang
The low-altitude economy is rapidly growing, with new consumption scenarios like low-altitude sightseeing, travel, logistics, and emergency rescue emerging. According to the “China Low-Altitude Economy Development Research Report (2024)” by CCID Consulting, China’s low-altitude economy reached 505.95 billion yuan in 2023, with the eVTOL industry nearing 1 billion yuan. By 2026, the low-altitude economy is projected to exceed 1 trillion yuan, becoming a major driver of economic growth.
EHang’s EH216-S, which has obtained three airworthiness certificates, is leading the way in commercialization of eVTOL aircraft. Recently, EHang received full payment for the first batch of 30 EH216-S unmanned aerial vehicles from Wencheng County Transportation Development Group Co., Ltd., with 27 units already delivered. The EH216-S also completed its first manned flight in Wencheng county, Wenzhou city, launching the “Low-Altitude Wenzhou” cultural tourism initiative.
