EHang's UAM Center: A Game Changer for Urban Air Mobility

EHang, the world's leading Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology platform company, has launched its Exhibition (Experience) Center in Shenzhen's Luohu District, showcasing the first automated smart eVTOL vertiport for its EH216-S passenger-carrying aerial vehicle. This innovative infrastructure marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of eVTOL aircraft operations in urban areas.

The Luohu UAM Center, designed by EHang, boasts an automated three-dimensional vertical lift vertiport that reduces labor costs and optimizes space usage through its automated operations. The 753-square-meter facility has brought this advanced design to life, with the first floor dedicated to a hangar and boarding area, providing passengers with a seamless and comfortable experience. The integrated takeoff and landing pad with the hangar enables rapid charging, thereby streamlining flight operations.

During the launch ceremony on January 21, 2025, an EH216-S aircraft was lifted from the first to the second floor by the vertical lift platform, took to the skies, and completed a lap over the Luohu Sports and Leisure Park before landing smoothly, marking its first flight at the Luohu UAM Center. The demonstration received widespread acclaim from attendees.

The Luohu District Low-Altitude Infrastructure High-Quality Construction Plan (2024-2026) outlines a comprehensive approach to developing low-altitude takeoff and landing infrastructure in the district. The Plan aims to build 100 takeoff and landing sites by 2026, including 32 takeoff and landing facilities for passenger-carrying aircraft. As Luohu District's first smart UAM operation center, the Luohu UAM Center will provide a solid foundation for the commercial operations of the district's low-altitude economy, serving as a demonstration model for low-altitude economy development and a new landmark for cultural and tourism initiatives.

The low-altitude economy is a strategic emerging and key focus for future development prioritized by Shenzhen's Luohu District. Currently, Luohu District is taking comprehensive initiatives to develop the low-altitude economy, including top-level planning, policy support, infrastructure development, demonstration of application scenarios, market player cultivation, and talent training. The District has already established 15 vertiports for passenger-carrying aircraft, aiming to build a robust industry ecosystem for the low-altitude economy.

The Luohu UAM Center is located near attractions like "Shenzhen's First Peak" Wutong Mountain and Donghu Reservoir, offering abundant natural mountain and lake scenery. This makes it an ideal location for developing low-altitude sightseeing tourism. Through the Luohu UAM center, EHang will further deepen its strategic cooperation with the Luohu District Bureau of Culture, Broadcasting, Tourism, and Sports, which began last January. Together with its partners, EHang aims to provide diverse service scenarios, including aerial transportation, cultural and tourism sightseeing, and technology experiences, to advance innovative business models for the low-altitude economy in Luohu District and 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 Wencheng. The Luohu UAM 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 the Greater Bay Area, providing a valuable reference for safe and efficient eVTOL operations nationwide and globally."

The strategic location of the Luohu UAM Center near Wutong Mountain and Donghu Reservoir positions EHang to capture the lucrative tourism market while serving as a proof of concept for urban integration. This aligns perfectly with Shenzhen's reputation as a technology hub and could accelerate regulatory approvals in other regions. The Luohu District's commitment to developing 100 takeoff and landing sites, including 32 for passenger-carrying aircraft, by 2026 provides EHang with a significant first-mover advantage in infrastructure development. This extensive network could create substantial barriers to entry for competitors while establishing EHang's infrastructure model as an industry standard.

The automated vertiport design is particularly noteworthy for its scalability potential. The integration of rapid charging capabilities and automated aircraft handling systems demonstrates a sophisticated approach to high-frequency operations, which is essential for commercial viability in urban air mobility. This infrastructure model could become the template for future UAM networks globally, potentially generating additional revenue streams through licensing or partnership agreements.

In conclusion, EHang's UAM Center in Shenzhen's Luohu District marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of eVTOL aircraft operations in urban areas. The automated smart eVTOL vertiport for EH216-S showcases EHang's commitment to innovation and leadership in the Urban Air Mobility sector. As the company continues to collaborate with partners and develop its infrastructure, it is poised to revolutionize urban transportation and tourism, while contributing to the growth of the low-altitude economy in Shenzhen and beyond.