EHang this week achieved a breakthrough in its efforts to get established in the Gulf region’s emerging advanced air mobility sector, signing a purchase agreement of 100 of its EH216 autonomous eVTOL aircraft with Abu Dhabi-based Wings Logistics Hub. Announcing the strategic partnership on Monday, the Chinese manufacturer said it has also joined the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) Cluster established in October.
Wings Logistics Hub, which is part of the investment group Ethmar International Holding, will help EHang to achieve UAE type certification for the two-passenger EH216-S vehicle, as well as the -L and -F logistics and freight versions. The Civil Aviation Administration of China issued type certification for the aircraft in October and EHang is now working to secure full production approval. It aims to start making deliveries to Wings Logistics Hub as early as the first quarter of 2024 to support plans for trial operations, as it has been doing with some other export and domestic customers.
The SAVI Cluster, which is located in Masdar City, is backed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office as part of a plan for the emirate to be an early adopter of new transportation technology. Abu Dhabi officials believe the initiative, which it says will attract private technology and infrastructure businesses and public agencies, could generate AED 90 billion to 120 billion (up to $32.6 billion) and generate between 30,000 and 50,000 jobs.
Rival eVTOL aircraft developers Joby and Archer recently became SAVI members. Wings Logistics Hub is a tech start-up looking to expand into multiple mobility and logistics activities with ground, sea and air applications. It has not said whether it intends to operate the EHang aircraft itself or provide these to another partner or customer. Earlier this year, UPS said it will evaluate the Beta Technologies eVTOL aircraft for cargo missions in the UAE.
“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,” said Mohamed Al Dhaheri, a board member of Wings Logistics Hub. “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.”
Earlier this month, the UAE’s ambassador to China, Hussain Al Hammadi, visited EHang’s headquarters in Guangzhou. He inspected the EH216 aircraft and was briefed on the company’s plans for advanced air mobility.
Last week, EHang's local partner in Brazil, Gohobby, publicly presented the first example of the EH216-S to be delivered to the country. The aircraft will be used solely for testing, training and demonstrations until the aircraft achieves type certification with the local regulator ANAC.
