Guangzhou-based autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company, EHang, has obtained the world’s first commercial pilot operation approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to use its EHang 216 passenger-grade AAVs for air logistics purpose.
The approval means that trial air logistics service using the EHang 216 can be carried out to transport cargo between ground and hilltop and between shore and islands at a customer site in Taizhou. The AAV is also intended to be gradually expanded to other sites in China as it accumulates operational data and experience.
Commenting on the approval CAAC Deputy Administrator Li Jian said: “I am pleased to see the fast development that EHang has achieved in China and globally, and that the flight test program of its passenger-grade AAVs were successfully verified by the CAAC to be granted with this approval. It can be a safe and efficient solution to transport cargo.”
According to investment bank Morgan Stanely, the global UAM market size could reach $1.5 trillion by 2040. In addition, air logistics is expected to one of the initial applications for commercialisation.
“This approval is of great significance,” said EHang Founder, Chairman and CEO Hu Huazhi. “For EHang, it enables us to enhance our first-mover advantage and accelerate the commercialisation of AAV technology and air mobility solutions for logistics,” He added that it also “lays a foundation for regulatoors around the world to jointly explore and establish a coordinated, supportive and sustainable regulatory environment. This will benefit the long-term development of the promising Urban Air Mobility (UAM) applications.”
