In a significant step for urban air mobility (UAM), EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH), a global leader in UAM technology, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Management Committee of Changchun, Jilin Province. The collaboration seeks to create a provincial-level demonstration zone for low-altitude economic development, combining industrial expansion, technological advancement, and real-world application scenarios.

Strategic cooperation and deployment of EH216-S pilotless eVTOLs

According to the cooperation agreement, Jilin Aerospace Industry Development Investment Co., Ltd., the platform company, has placed an order for 41 units of EHang’s pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

These units will be deployed for low-altitude sightseeing, urban emergency response, and city traffic management operations, supporting Changchun’s vision to become a regional leader in low-altitude economic development and accelerate growth across Jilin Province.

Changchun, one of the pioneering cities designated for low-altitude airspace management reform in China, has actively promoted this sector in recent years. The sets three strategic goals: ensuring safe flight operations, expanding use case scenarios, and driving industrial growth. The plan aims to create multiple application cases by 2025 and grow the city’s low-altitude economy to RMB 3 billion by 2026.

Jingyue Hi-tech Zone: A core hub for low-altitude economic development

Jingyue Hi-tech Zone stands as the pivotal core of Changchun’s strategic spatial framework for advancing the low-altitude economy, a burgeoning sector that leverages airspace for innovative applications such as drone technology, aerial tourism, and logistics.

Designated as a National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone, Jingyue is a beacon of technological advancement and economic transformation in Jilin Province. Beyond its innovation credentials, the zone is also celebrated as Changchun’s ecological and cultural heart, harmoniously blending modernity with natural beauty and rich heritage.

Jingyue boasts an abundance of tourism resources that enhance its appeal as a premier destination. Among its standout attractions are two nationally acclaimed 5A-rated scenic sites, the highest classification for tourist attractions in China, which underscore the zone’s exceptional natural landscapes and cultural significance.

These include [insert specific names of attractions if known, e.g., Jingyuetan National Forest Park, a renowned 5A scenic spot known for its serene lake and lush forests]. Such assets provide a unique backdrop for developing cutting-edge, integrated “low-altitude + tourism” application scenarios, such as drone-enabled aerial tours, low-altitude sightseeing flights, and smart tourism services that enhance visitor experiences through technology.

The zone’s strategic advantages extend beyond its scenic and cultural offerings. Its robust infrastructure, supportive policies for innovation, and proximity to Changchun’s urban and industrial ecosystems make it an ideal testing ground for low-altitude economic initiatives.

By combining its ecological strengths with advanced technologies, Jingyue is poised to pioneer new models of sustainable tourism and economic growth, positioning Changchun as a leader in the global low-altitude economy. This integrated approach not only drives economic diversification but also elevates the region’s profile as a forward-thinking, eco-conscious hub for both domestic and international visitors.

Leveraging Jingyue Hi-tech Zone’s advantageous location and rich cultural and tourism resources, EHang and Jingyue Hi-tech Zone will jointly accelerate the commercial deployment of pilotless eVTOLs in Jilin Province. They aim to develop an eVTOL urban air mobility demonstration zone and pioneer a low-altitude-driven model of urban development, contributing to Changchun’s transformation into a modern metropolis powered by low-altitude innovation.

Regulatory sandbox and aerial digital infrastructure

Jingyue High-Tech Zone, currently the pilot region in China selected under the national initiative jointly launched by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), has established a comprehensive aerial digital infrastructure spanning Northeast China (the three provinces and one autonomous region).

This system integrates airspace management, low-altitude digital coding, satellite communications, and computing power core nodes, providing localized data support for EHang’s collaboration with Jingyue to build a provincial-scale low-altitude command and dispatch platform. This initiative will enable efficient management and safe operations of low-altitude aircraft, laying a robust data management foundation for future large-scale, routine urban air mobility (UAM) operations.

Developing an integrated aerospace triad industrial ecosystem

1. A low-altitude smart connectivity test site for extreme cold climates.
2. An aerospace big data industrial park.
3. An aerospace equipment smart manufacturing hub.

EHang will contribute to the planning, design, and construction of the Low-altitude Intelligent Connected Cold-region Testing Site in Jingyue Hi-tech Zone. Together with local partners, EHang will conduct cold-weather testing and collaborate on the development of airworthiness standards specifically for eVTOL aircraft in cold climates.

Jingyue Hi-tech Zone will provide comprehensive support for EHang’s eVTOL research and development (R&D) and testing activities in Jilin Province, including favorable policies, funding, and talent incentives. In turn, EHang will assist in cultivating talent in the low-altitude economy sector, supporting local industrial development and Jingyue’s distinctive low-altitude economy model, fostering a high-quality ecosystem for Changchun’s low-altitude economy.

Advancing R&D and production of composite materials

Additionally, EHang plans to partner with Jingyue Hi-tech Zone to advance R&D and production of composite materials for low-altitude aircraft and eVTOL components. By leveraging the zone’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and collaborating with local industry leaders, EHang aims to produce lightweight, safety-compliant parts tailored to the practical demands of aircraft.

Hongliang Zhou, Secretary of Jingyue Hi-tech Zone, declared that through deep collaboration with EHang and by utilizing its cutting-edge technologies, Jingyue Hi-Tech Zone seeks to set a standard for low-altitude economic development and promote high-quality regional growth.

We are fully committed to supporting EHang’s innovations and real-world applications in the low-altitude sector. Leveraging government resources, we will actively facilitate the deployment of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOLs across eight 5A-rated scenic destinations in Jilin Province for aerial sightseeing.

This initiative will accelerate the commercialization of low-altitude applications from passenger tourism to air mobility bringing citizens and visitors a new and transformative flying experience.”

Wang Zhao, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, stated, With two EH216-S operators securing China’s first batch of Operating Certificates (OC), EHang’s human-carrying eVTOL has officially entered commercial operations. Our collaboration with Jingyue Hi-tech Zone will help advance the integrated development of both the practical application and commercial deployment of eVTOL in cold-climate regions, establishing a benchmark for low-altitude economy applications in extreme cold regions.

Leveraging Jingyue’s advantages including its natural environment, policy incentives, diverse commercial use scenarios, and robust digital infrastructure we will carry out ongoing testing to further optimize the aircraft’s performance, enhance its adaptability and safety in cold environments, and pioneer a smart low-altitude traffic management ecosystem.

Our goal is to promote widespread adoption of eVTOL technology, bringing safe, efficient, intelligent, and environmentally friendly low-altitude economic solutions to more regions worldwide.”

Urban air mobility: A transformative approach to transportation

Urban air mobility (UAM) represents a transformative approach to transportation, leveraging advanced technologies to address urban congestion and enhance connectivity. EHang’s EH216-S, an autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV), is designed to carry passengers and cargo, offering a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation. The integration of eVTOLs into urban landscapes promises to revolutionize how people and goods move, reducing travel time and environmental impact.

The economic impact of low-altitude development

The development of the low-altitude economy is poised to have a significant economic impact, creating new industries and job opportunities. According to a report by, the global market for UAM could reach $1.5 trillion by 2040, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for efficient urban transportation solutions. Changchun’s strategic focus on low-altitude economic development positions it to capitalize on this growing market, fostering innovation and economic growth.

Case study: EHang’s success in Guangzhou

EHang has already demonstrated the potential of its eVTOL technology in, where it has conducted successful trial flights and established partnerships with local governments. These initiatives have showcased the feasibility and benefits of UAM, paving the way for broader adoption and commercialization. The collaboration with Jingyue Hi-tech Zone builds on this success, extending EHang’s reach and impact to new regions.

The future of urban air mobility

As urban air mobility continues to evolve, the collaboration between EHang and Jingyue Hi-tech Zone serves as a model for other cities and regions seeking to embrace this transformative technology. By integrating industrial development, technological innovation, and practical application scenarios, they are pioneering a new era of urban transportation, driven by the principles of sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity.

In conclusion, the strategic cooperation between EHang and Jingyue Hi-tech Zone represents a significant milestone in the development of the low-altitude economy.

Through their joint efforts, they are poised to establish a benchmark for urban air mobility, driving high-quality regional growth and transforming the way people and goods move in urban landscapes. As this partnership unfolds, it will undoubtedly inspire other cities and regions to explore the potential of UAM, shaping the future of transportation and urban development.

Source: ehang.com