EHang Holdings Limited (“EHang” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, today announced that its EH216-S pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft completed debut passenger flights in Thailand at the renowned Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in central Bangkok. The flights mark a new milestone for expanding EHang’s eVTOL flight footprint to the 18th country globally.

With the permission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (“CAAT”), the Company is also planning to conduct flight tests on the EH216-S in Thailand and launch commercial flight operations in various regions such as Phuket and Koh Samui by 2025. This effort is part of a broader plan to collaboratively open Thailand’s low-altitude airspace and develop the air mobility market. With the leadership of the CAAT and support of the Ministry of Transport of Thailand, EHang was invited to participate in the Thailand Drone Exhibition & Symposium 2024, where it conducted passenger flights for three consecutive days under a Demonstration Flight Permit issued by the CAAT.

During this event, notable individuals such as Mr. Phasu Manipanti, CEO of Sky Image Tech, EHang’s partner in Thailand, and Mr. Sorasit Thongjeen, First Officer, Flight Operations of Bangkok Airways, experienced flights aboard the EH216-S. Distinguished guests, including Mr. Chaiyatham Promsorn, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Transport of Thailand; Mr. Tao Ma, Director of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); Mr. Shijun Yin, Vice President of Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Mr. Suttipong Kongpool, Director of the CAAT, and Mr. Kajonpat Maklin, Deputy Director of the CAAT, also witnessed this groundbreaking event.

The significance of EH216-S for urban air mobility in Thailand

The EH216-S eVTOL is capable of vertical take-off and landing, eliminating the need for traditional airport runways and enabling point-to-point air transportation directly in city centers. This capability addresses one of Thailand’s persistent issues severe ground traffic congestion in metropolitan areas like Bangkok.

According to recent studies, traffic congestion in Bangkok ranks among the worst in the world, with significant economic costs in terms of lost productivity and increased pollution. By providing an aerial alternative, EH216-S aims to alleviate congestion, reduce commute times, and contribute to a cleaner environment by replacing traditional road-based transport with an electric air mobility solution.

Additionally, Thailand’s numerous islands, such as those in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, make water transportation critical to the tourism industry. However, traditional water transport methods, including ferries, are often time-consuming, inflexible, and susceptible to weather conditions. By integrating the EH216-S into the transportation infrastructure, Thailand can offer efficient island-hopping air transportation services, catering to high-value tourism markets seeking faster and more exclusive travel experiences.

The inclusion of air mobility could significantly reduce travel times between popular tourist destinations, enhancing the convenience for travelers and thus boosting the local tourism economy.

Pilotless eVTOL and its regulatory implications

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has taken a proactive role in setting the framework for eVTOL operations, marking a shift in how low-altitude airspace is managed in Southeast Asia. The CAAT’s decision to allow pilotless eVTOL aircraft to operate under its supervision follows a global trend where authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are increasingly working to adapt regulations to accommodate new aerial technologies.

By aligning with these global regulatory bodies, Thailand is ensuring that it remains competitive in the growing UAM industry, which experts predict could reach a market value of over $1 trillion by 2040.

The integration of regulatory support from CAAT is a significant development that positions Thailand as a leader in aerial mobility innovation within the region. Mr. Suttipong Kongpool, Director of the CAAT, emphasized the importance of these test flights by stating, “This demo flight marks significant progress in integrating UAM solutions into Thailand’s aviation industry.” This milestone not only demonstrates the country’s openness to technological advances but also highlights its aspirations to be a major hub for future aerial transport systems.

The role of partnerships in advancing urban air mobility

Collaboration has been a critical aspect of the successful introduction of the EH216-S to Thailand. EHang’s partnership with Sky Image Tech, a local technology solutions company, and the support from Bangkok Airways underline the importance of local partnerships in facilitating UAM projects. These collaborations extend beyond regulatory permissions; they also include logistical, technological, and marketing efforts, all of which are essential for the successful adoption of eVTOL technology.

For instance, by teaming up with Bangkok Airways, a regional airline known for its commitment to connectivity across the Southeast Asian region, EHang gains access to an established aviation network that could be instrumental for scaling its air taxi services. Furthermore, Sky Image Tech’s local expertise helps bridge technological adoption between the innovation brought by EHang and the specific market needs of Thailand. This model of leveraging both international technology and local expertise could serve as a template for eVTOL adoption in other parts of the world.

EHang’s vision for the southeast asian market

Mr. Conor Yang, CFO of EHang, remarked, “The debut passenger flights of our EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Thailand is a key milestone in EHang’s ongoing international development and a strong boost in promoting the transformation of global advanced urban air mobility.” EHang sees Southeast Asia as a particularly attractive market for UAM solutions due to its rapidly urbanizing population and logistical challenges associated with sprawling urban growth and geographical diversity.

According to the United Nations, Southeast Asia is undergoing rapid urbanization, with an expected 70% of its population living in cities by 2035. This urban growth requires innovative transport solutions to reduce congestion and enhance interconnectivity, particularly in cities where traditional ground infrastructure may not meet growing demands. By providing eVTOLs like the EH216-S, EHang aims to address these challenges and capitalize on an emerging market segment with enormous potential.

Moreover, with Thailand’s prominent role in regional tourism it was ranked as the most visited country in Southeast Asia in 2023 the adoption of eVTOLs for tourism purposes could also prove lucrative. Island destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui attract millions of tourists annually, and air mobility options will provide a premium service for tourists willing to pay for convenience and reduced travel times. This aligns well with EHang’s strategy of targeting regions where tourism and innovative transport solutions intersect to create unique market opportunities.

A glimpse into the future of urban air mobility in Thailand

The EH216-S’s successful debut in Thailand sets the stage for the broader adoption of eVTOL technology across the region. Thailand’s forward-thinking regulatory approach, alongside strategic partnerships and the country’s unique geographical and urban challenges, makes it a fitting environment for the introduction of urban air mobility solutions. The pilotless, electric EH216-S not only presents a solution to traffic congestion but also promises a new level of accessibility and efficiency for both everyday commuters and tourists alike.

As commercial operations approach in 2025, the collaboration between EHang, CAAT, and local partners demonstrates how public-private partnerships can push the boundaries of urban mobility. Thailand, with its mix of dense urban centers and sprawling island geographies, is uniquely positioned to serve as a proving ground for eVTOL technology, potentially setting a precedent for other nations in Southeast Asia and beyond.

For more information, please visit www.ehang.com.