EHang on Monday conducted what it said is the first passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft flight in the Middle East, when its EH216-S took a senior executive from its local partner in Abu Dhabi for a demonstration ride. The Chinese company said it had also demonstrated the EH216-L and EH216-F in their respective cargo-carrying and fire-fighting roles.
With the approval of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), EHang flew the EH216-S from the Emirates Falcons Aviation Club at Al Ali in Abu Dhabi, carrying Mohamed Al Dhaheri, a board member with its partner Multi Level Group. The company also flew the EH216-L and EH216-F models at the same location during an event witnessed by members of the Emirati royal family, government officials, and the media.
“Being part of this historic moment is truly exhilarating,” commented Al Dhaheri. “The seamless integration of technology and aviation represents a significant leap forward for our nation, and, as an Emirati, I am proud to be part of it.”
This week’s flight demonstrations of the autonomous aircraft follow those conducted by EHang during the DriftX event held in Abu Dhabi from April 25 to 26. On that occasion, the EH216-S flew without passengers on board. During that trade show, the Chinese company also exhibited its VT-30 eVTOL, which is expected to have a range of 163 nm. This is around 10 times the range of the EH216-S model, which is now approved for series production.
Multi Level Group, a financial technology subsidiary of Ethmar International Holding (EIH), and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office are now supporting EHang’s efforts to enter the Gulf market as strategic partners. EHI’s Wings Logistics Hub division has said it intends to buy up to 100 of the EH216 aircraft, subject to these receiving type certification from the GCAA. EHang has joined Abu Dhabi’s new Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries cluster, joining several other advanced air mobility companies.
In recent months, both Abu Dhabi and neighboring emirate Dubai have stepped up their plans to be early adopters of eVTOL air services. Rival manufacturers Joby, Archer, and Eve have all signed commercial agreements in the UAE.