EHang, China Communications Information & Technology Group to co-develop low-altitude industry ecosystem

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 27, EHang, a Chinese urban air mobility (UAM) technology platform company, announced a strategic partnership with China Communications Information & Technology Group Co., Ltd. (CCIT) to develop the low-altitude economy and advanced air mobility ecosystem, according to a post on EHang's WeChat account.

CCIT is a specialized information and technology subsidiary of China Communications Construction Group (CCCG), a world's leading comprehensive service provider for extra-large infrastructure. CCIT's main business covers areas such as in-depth enterprise digitalization, information industry, system integration and project implementation, cybersecurity and operations, big data, and cloud services.

With a comprehensive technical and commercial framework for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data services, CCIT will work with various business sectors under CCCG, including China Communications Construction Co., Ltd. (CCCC), to join hands with EHang in areas such as digital infrastructure of aerial traffic and transportation hubs. This partnership aims to innovate UAV service scenarios and establish a commercial operation model and comprehensive support system for the low-altitude economy, driving innovative development of this sector.

Under the cooperation, the duo will focus on key areas, including R&D, planning, and development of digital infrastructure for air mobility, as well as integration and innovation of low-altitude economic industries. Both parties will combine their expertise to explore the integration of advanced digital technologies such as 5G, 6G, satellite communication, high-precision navigation, and sensing technologies with the low-altitude aviation industry. These joint efforts are set to target the creation of an integrated "five-network" system encompassing air traffic infrastructure, air routes, communication and navigation systems, airspace management, and low-altitude service.

Both parties will work with local governments to plan and construct essential infrastructure such as flight data centers, dedicated communication networks, and integrated takeoff and landing platforms, with EHang providing operational services.

EHang and CCIT aim to create platforms of low-altitude economy for intelligent research and innovation, digital industry investment, digitalized joint operations, and ecosystem development. Additionally, both parties are committed to driving the global development of advanced air mobility and low-altitude economy industries, advancing China's "Belt and Road" initiative and the interconnected development of a four-dimension transportation network covering land, sea, air, and digital infrastructure.

This collaboration will foster partnerships with local governments and EHang's regional low-altitude business operators. It will deliver comprehensive industrial solutions for UAM infrastructure, ranging from planning and design to construction and operations. This collaboration will advance the rapid deployment and operation of low-altitude economy industries in major cities, coastal regions, and major economic zones across China.

CCIT plans to introduce a comprehensive one-stop solution for low-altitude super IP projects that integrate "land + space + content", aiming to construct assemble-style and modular low-altitude flight terminals in places such as central parks and the rooftops of multi-level parking structures. EHang will work with CCIT in the planning and development of infrastructure that combines both parking and terminal functions within cities. Together, they aim to establish a standardized and replicable air traffic pilot program and drive the development of revolutionary and multi-level transportation hubs that will serve as a model for advanced traffic transfer systems.

In the low-altitude tourism and UAM sectors, both parties plan to develop 100 intra-city and inter-city air mobility terminals, as well as 100 integrated low-altitude tourism hubs at national 5A scenic areas over the next three years, starting in 2025. These facilities will form the foundation of city-level low-altitude economic service systems, branded as E-Port Terminals. EHang will collaborate with CCCG’s subsidiaries to operate these services, creating a comprehensive low-altitude economy pilot zone. Several cities in China have reached cooperation intentions with EHang and CCIT to participate in the construction of a comprehensive low-altitude service system centered around culture, tourism, transportation, and emergency services. EHang and CCIT will also jointly expand the aircraft sales and leasing market and explore integrated operations in the "transportation + tourism" industries.

To foster the sustainable development of the low-altitude economy, both parties will explore the establishment of a dedicated fund, a research institute and a vocational training academy for the low-altitude economy industry. Together, they will also plan to set up and operate innovation service hubs in major cities across China, incubating upstream and downstream enterprises while cultivating a skilled talent pool.