GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EHang Holdings Limited (“EHang” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with the Civil Aviation Flight University of China (the “CAFUC”). Building upon the CAFUC’s extensive expertise in civil aviation education, research, and talent development, the two parties will collaborate on cultivating skilled personnel, including operators and maintenance staff for EHang’s pilotless electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft, and their training for personnel licenses and operational supervision. This partnership aims to address the surging demand for talent in the low-altitude economy and foster the sustainable, high-quality development of the civil unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) industry.

Addressing the talent gap in China’s growing low-altitude economy

During a briefing of the State Council Information Office of China on October 8, 2024, Chunlin Li, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”), highlighted the booming low-altitude economy and the rising demand for UAV operators. It is estimated that China faces a talent shortage of up to 1 million in this field, as the demand for operators, technicians, and engineers grows in tandem with advancements in UAV technology. In response, the NDRC will continue enhancing job creation efforts and driving the development of strategic emerging industries, such as the low-altitude economy and future industries.

The low-altitude economy represents a critical sector for China, which has ambitious goals of becoming a leader in Urban Air Mobility and commercial UAV operations. The concept of low-altitude economy refers to the economic activity occurring at altitudes below 1,000 meters, including drone delivery, agricultural surveillance, firefighting, and eVTOL passenger transportation. By promoting policies that encourage technological advancements and regulatory frameworks, China aims to support the safe integration of UAVs into civil airspace, thereby creating opportunities for new services and economic growth.

CAFUC’s role as the cradle of Chinese civil aviation

The CAFUC, a university jointly built by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (the “CAAC”) and the government of Sichuan Province, is widely regarded as the “Cradle of Chinese Civil Aviation Pilots”. The institution has a long history of nurturing aviation talent, offering specialized training programs that meet the evolving needs of China’s aviation sector. As one of the pioneering universities in China to open a major in UAV system engineering, the CAFUC has played a key role in advancing the nation’s UAV capabilities by formulating licensing frameworks, developing training regulations and standards, and preparing graduates for the UAV and aviation industries.

CAFUC’s focus on UAV system engineering not only addresses technical skills but also emphasizes regulatory knowledge and safety awareness, which are crucial in a sector as heavily regulated as aviation. In this partnership, CAFUC will provide an academic foundation that helps ensure UAV operators are fully aware of the requirements needed to operate safely and efficiently in controlled airspaces. The university’s hands-on training facilities and simulators offer students valuable opportunities to understand the real-world dynamics of UAV operations, preparing them for the demands of the industry.

EHang’s advances in eVTOL and airworthiness certification

EHang is a leader in the global civil UAV industry and a pioneer in developing autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) designed for passenger transport and logistics. The company’s flagship product, the EH216-S, is a pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft that represents a breakthrough in autonomous aviation. In 2024, EHang achieved a significant milestone by obtaining three airworthiness certificates from the CAAC for the EH216-S, confirming its compliance with rigorous safety and engineering standards.

Airworthiness certification is a crucial step in the commercialization of eVTOLs, as it demonstrates that the aircraft meets established safety standards and can be operated in urban environments. With these certifications, EHang has positioned itself to take a leading role in bringing eVTOL technologies into everyday applications. The company is actively assisting clients around the world in preparing for commercial operations, which includes training UAV operators and maintenance personnel, applying for Air Operator Certificates (AOC), and designing operational sites.

The EH216-S has completed numerous test flights in various urban settings, showcasing its ability to conduct short-haul transport safely and efficiently. This includes air taxi trials, emergency medical service missions, and logistics applications. By successfully completing these demonstrations, EHang aims to prove that autonomous aerial vehicles are not only viable but can also be implemented on a large scale to address urban congestion and enhance mobility.

Establishing an industry-academia collaboration framework

EHang and CAFUC will jointly establish an innovative framework for industry-academia-research cooperation. Through this partnership, the CAFUC and EHang will launch a demonstration program for the license management of large civil UAV operators, ensuring that the new generation of operators is well-prepared to take on responsibilities in this expanding field. Guided by the CAAC, the CAFUC and EHang aim to optimize licensing training and examination mechanisms, making sure that operators meet stringent safety and performance standards.

The licensing and certification process for large UAV operators is crucial for the successful integration of eVTOL aircraft into urban settings. By aligning academic education with vocational training, the collaboration aims to provide graduates with both basic licenses for large UAVs and EH216-S operator licenses. This approach ensures that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and certifications required for commercial operations.

EHang and CAFUC are also exploring the establishment of a dedicated training institution that will provide specialized programs for operators and maintenance staff. The curriculum will integrate simulator-based training, practical flight exercises, and classroom instruction to create a comprehensive learning environment. Such initiatives will not only bridge the talent gap but also create a talent pool that will be essential for the industry’s growth.

Leading the development of standards and regulations

EHang and the CAFUC will actively contribute to the formulation of regulations and standards in the field of large civil UAVs under the leadership of the CAAC. As UAV technology continues to evolve, establishing a clear and comprehensive set of regulations will be key to ensuring safety and facilitating wider adoption.

The partners plan to engage in multi-field cooperation that extends beyond just training and licensing. This includes joint efforts in science popularization, teaching, scientific research, and the transformation of technological advancements into commercial solutions. By working together, EHang and CAFUC will lead the development of new safety standards, operational procedures, and technical guidelines that will help integrate UAVs into the low-altitude airspace more effectively.

The establishment of unified standards will help streamline the adoption of UAVs in various sectors, including logistics, passenger transport, and public safety. For instance, consistent maintenance and safety protocols will help mitigate risks and ensure that operators across China adhere to best practices. This regulatory collaboration will also serve as a model for other countries seeking to implement eVTOL technology safely and efficiently.

Building a robust ecosystem for UAV talent cultivation

Qingru Tang, Vice President of the CAFUC, remarked, “The CAFUC has a comprehensive system to train urgently needed talents in areas such as flight, operations, maintenance, flight management, and emergency response for the low-altitude economy. We will leverage our high-quality educational resources and extensive teaching experience to support EHang’s talent pool and research capabilities, offering students a platform for growth and advancing UAV technology and innovation for the low-altitude economy.”

This partnership aims to build a robust talent cultivation ecosystem that not only provides technical training but also nurtures an innovative spirit among students and professionals in the UAV industry. Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, emphasized the importance of establishing a multi-dimensional talent development system. The goal is to improve industry awareness, professional knowledge, core skills, psychological quality, safety awareness, and policy understanding during training.

Through systematic teaching at professional institutions like the CAFUC, the program will further solidify and enhance professionals’ understanding of safety systems for UAVs. As a trailblazer in the low-altitude economy, EHang will contribute its technical expertise to help create a safe and efficient operational framework. This includes offering instruction in safety management systems (SMS), human factors, and operational risk management, which are key components for the safe integration of UAVs in civil airspace.

Future prospects for the EH216-S and the global UAV industry

The EH216-S is poised to become a game-changer in the field of urban mobility, with applications ranging from air taxis to emergency response. EHang’s collaboration with CAFUC aims to ensure that there is sufficient talent to operate these aircraft safely, thus providing the backbone for sustainable development. The upcoming commercial operations of the EH216-S will set a precedent for future aerial mobility solutions, marking a significant step forward in integrating eVTOLs into urban infrastructure.

The joint initiatives between EHang and CAFUC are also expected to extend beyond China, as the lessons learned from the regulatory framework and training programs will provide valuable insights for other countries looking to adopt UAV technology. By leading the development of industry standards, EHang hopes to position itself as a global pioneer, advancing not only in technology but also in the governance frameworks that will determine the future of urban air mobility.

The partnership with CAFUC marks an important chapter in EHang’s mission to revolutionize urban mobility and build a comprehensive ecosystem for the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of UAVs. As EHang and CAFUC work together to overcome challenges in talent cultivation, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness, they will help lay the groundwork for a future where autonomous aerial vehicles are an integral part of everyday life, offering new possibilities for transportation, logistics, and public service.

For more information, please visit www.ehang.com