Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 21, EHang, a Chinese company focusing on R&D of urban air mobility (UAM) technology, announced the official opening of its UAM Exhibition (Experience) Center (called the "Center" for short) in Shenzhen city's Luohu Sports and Leisure Park.
The Center is the world's first EH216-S takeoff and landing site featuring an automated vertical lift platform. This facility also serves as a key smart infrastructure dedicated to the commercial operations of the EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying aircraft in Shenzhen, setting a new benchmark for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations in urban areas.
The Center, designed by EHang, has an automated vertical lift vertiport. With a total construction area of approximately 753 square meters, the Center is designed with the first floor dedicated to a hangar and boarding area, allowing passengers to board indoors for a comfortable experience. This integrated takeoff and landing pad with the hangar enables rapid charging and enhances flight operational efficiency.
During the launch ceremony, an EH216-S aircraft was lifted from the first to the second floor by the vertical lift platform and completed a lap over the Luohu Sports and Leisure Park, marking its first flight at the Center.
According to the Luohu District Low-Altitude Infrastructure High-Quality Construction Plan (2024-2026), Luohu District aims to establish a systematic network of low-altitude takeoff and landing facilities. The District plans to build 100 takeoff and landing sites by 2026, including 32 facilities for passenger-carrying aircraft. As the first intelligent UAM operations center in the district, the facility will provide a solid foundation for the commercial operations of the district's low-altitude economy, creating a demonstration model for low-altitude economy development and a new landmark for cultural tourism.
Currently, Luohu District is taking a comprehensive approach to developing a low-altitude economic ecosystem, including top-level planning, policy support, infrastructure construction, demonstration of application scenarios, market player cultivation, and talent training. The District so far has established 15 vertiports for passenger-carrying aircraft.
Building on the Center, EHang will deepen its collaboration with the Luohu District Bureau of Culture, Radio, Tourism, and Sports, which began in January last year. Together with its partners, EHang will offer diverse service scenarios such as aerial transportation, cultural and tourism sightseeing, and technology-driven experiences, advancing the growth of low-altitude economic initiatives across Shenzhen.
Mr. Zhao Wang, EHang's Chief Operating Officer, stated, "In collaboration with our partners, EHang has established operational infrastructure for EH216-S aircraft in cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hefei, Wuxi, Taiyuan, and Wenzhou. The Center, featuring an automated vertical lift platform design, represents an innovative approach to infrastructure development for the low-altitude economy. It will serve as a cornerstone of EHang's operations in Shenzhen's low-altitude economy. Leveraging our first-mover advantage in the eVTOL sector, we will continue working with our partners in Shenzhen to develop and refine the integrated growth of the low-altitude economy and ground economy. Our efforts aim to promote high-quality advancement of the low-altitude economy in Shenzhen and even the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, providing a valuable reference for safe and efficient eVTOL operations nationwide and globally."
