ABU DHABI: EHang Holdings Ltd, a Chinese autonomous aerial vehicle technology platform company, announced that it is extending its operations to the 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’), being the technology arm of EIH Ethmar International Holding. The aim of this partnership is to collaboratively 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 key hub for smart and autonomous vehicles.
SAVI provides state-of-the-art facilities and value-added servi
ces within a supportive regulatory framework. This initiative encourages innovation and aids in the commercial application of smart and autonomous 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. The goal of this partnership is 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, which are designed for passenger transportation, aerial logistics, and firefighting respectively.
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.
Mohamed Al Dhaheri, board member of Wings Logistics Hub, expressed en
thusiasm 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,’ said by Mr. Mohamed Al Dhaheri.
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
. Our aim is to work with our local partner to enhance safe, intelligent, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility in this region.’
Source: Emirates News Agency