EHang supports Chinese national transportation network plan

According to guidelines issued by China’s State Council on Feb. 24 for the development of a comprehensive transportation network by 2035, Ehang (Guangzhou, China) says it will seize this opportunity to strengthen its technological leadership and accelerate commercialization of its passage-grade autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) as a typical type of “intelligent general aviation vehicles” promoted by the Guidelines.

Entitled “Guidelines of the National Comprehensive Transportation Network Plan,” this national strategic initiative advocates for the development of a modern, high-quality and intelligent transportation network. In particular, it calls for further research and development of intelligent transport equipment, and the promotion of intelligent network-connected vehicles (such as in the areas of intelligent cars, autonomous driving and vehicle-road coordination). Furthermore, the Guidelines propose the idea of “intelligent general aviation vehicle applications,” noting the need to “develop urban helicopter transport services and build rapid air traffic networks among urban clusters.” The Guidelines also declare the intention to “develop a new generation of air traffic control systems to promote air mobility services,” such as intelligent air traffic management and airspace management, while promoting data sharing.

Reporting itself as a leader in the global urban air mobility (UAM) industry and the only company authorized by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to conduct trial work for developing passenger-grade AAV airworthiness standards and certification methods, EHang says it will expand its self-developed command-and-control system (which centrally controls and dispatches urban air traffic) for more air mobility services, and contribute to the development of UAM systems in Chinese cities. EHang aims to support building a high-quality comprehensive transportation network in China that is convenient, efficient, green, intelligent, advanced, safe and reliable.