World’s first ‘E-port’ for Air Taxis set to be fully operational before the end of the year

EHang Holdings Limited, one of the world's leading autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform companies has announced its intention to build the world’s first E-port for AAV services.

EHang has said it will cooperate with a local partner in the City of Hezhou in Guangxi Province, China, to build the E-port, which will accelerate the commercialisation of EHang AAVs in the tourism industry.

The company has said: “The city of Hezhou is a pioneer in air tourism, and this project will make it model for air tourism innovation around the world. The E-port is planned to be completed and operational by  around the end of 2020, the firm has said.”

The plan includes the delivery of 20 units of the EHang 216, the company’s two-seat passenger-grade AAV, which will be deployed for aerial sightseeing.

The E-port terminal building will be three stories covering 2,500 square meters. Architectural features include a first-floor reception hall, second floor passenger waiting area, and a third-floor departure/arrival zone. Four landing pads will be located on the roof-top, which can accommodate the landing/take-off of four AAVs simultaneously.

The company say the combination of EHang’s AAV technology and the natural tourism resources of Hezhou has the potential to promote and enhance Guangxi’s air tourism industry not only in Hezhou, but also in other cities in the province.

“Hezhou is a beautiful city with rich tourism resources and we are excited to enhance their appeal with our AAVs. As we progress, we intend to create more commercial applications for EHang AAVs, such as aerial sightseeing that can uniquely merge modern culture and tourism. We also welcome more local partners to join us and embrace the opportunity to a provide safe, autonomous, and green approach to travel and sightseeing,” said Mr. Hu Huazhi, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang.

Image credit: EHang