EHang is extending its operations to the United Arab Emirates, after announcing it has joined the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) Cluster in Abu Dhabi. It has also penned a deal with Wings Logistics Hub, which will buy up to 100 EH216 eVTOL aircraft with initial deliveries set to begin in Q1 2024.

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). It will also look to introduce EHang’s autonomous eVTOL aircraft into the UAE.

Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, CEO and Chairman of EHang, said: “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.”

Wings Logistics Hub and EHang will now 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.

Mohamed Al Dhaheri, board member of Wings Logistics Hub, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with EHang to establish their inaugural international operations in Abu Dhabi.

He said: “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.”

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 services within a supportive regulatory framework. This initiative encourages innovation and aids in the commercial application of smart and autonomous vehicle technologies.

Wings Logistics Hub will cater the passenger eVTOLs and logistic tech functions within EIH Ethmar International Holding. Its dedication centers on seamlessly incorporating cutting-edge technologies, specialising in smart and autonomous vehicle technologies, as well as extended infrastructure including vertiports across the realms of passenger transportation, smart logistic and smart city management.