The Chinese electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer EHang has signed a deal to deliver up to 100 of its EH216 series units to a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based firm.
Under the agreement announced on December 18, 2023, EHang will provide Wings Logistics Hub a mixture of EH216-S, EH216-L, and EH216-F models, which are designed for passenger transportation, aerial logistics, and firefighting respectively.
The deal will see EHang and Wing Logistics Hub collaborate to advance the development of urban air transportation with initial deliveries set to commence in the first quarter of 2024.
The Chinese company will also join the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) which was launched in October 2023.
SAVI is run by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office as a base for the development of smart and autonomous vehicles.
In October 2023, EHang’s autonomous eVTOL aircraft became the first in the world to achieve type certification, when it was approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
As part of the newly created strategic partnership, Wings Logistics Hub and EHang will work together to facilitate local certification and operations of the EH216 series eVTOLs in the UAE.
Wings Logistics Hub is a subsidiary of Technology Holding Company (THC) which in turn is the technology arm of EIH Ethmar International Holding.
“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. Our aim is to work with our local partner to enhance safe, intelligent, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility in this region,” Huazhi Hu, Founder, CEO and Chairman of EHang, said.
EHang is not the first eVTOL company to build links with the UAE. Leading sector players such Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation and Skyports have all announced deals in the last year involving firms 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. 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,” Mohamed Al Dhaheri, board member of Wings Logistics Hub, said.
