EHang Opens Automated Takeoff-Landing Facility for eVTOL Vehicles

EHang Holdings, a leading Chinese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) company, has launched an innovative automated takeoff and landing facility in Shenzhen's Luohu Sports and Leisure Park. This infrastructure supports the commercial operations of their pilotless EH216-S electric aerial vehicle (EAV), marking a significant advancement in urban air mobility (UAM).

Innovative Facility Features

The facility's centerpiece is an advanced automated vertical lift platform that efficiently moves the EH216-S between the first-floor hangar and the second-floor takeoff pad. The ground floor houses vehicle storage and a passenger boarding area, while the upper level features a takeoff and landing pad with rapid charging technology. Integrating systems designed explicitly for autonomous eVTOL operations creates a smart infrastructure supporting safe, efficient, low-altitude flights. During the launch ceremony, an EH216-S successfully demonstrated the facility's operational sequence.

Shenzhen's UAM Development

Shenzhen's Luohu District has established itself as a pioneer in UAM infrastructure, with 15 operational vertiports already in place. The district plans to expand to 100 takeoff and landing sites by 2026, including 32 dedicated to passenger aircraft. The Luohu UAM Center, featuring the world's first fully automated vertical lift vertiport, reduces operational costs by up to 40% through its integrated systems. Strategically located near tourist attractions like Wutong Mountain and Donghu Reservoir, the center serves as a hub for low-altitude tourism, with EHang partnering with local authorities to develop aerial tourism services.

Shanghai's "City of Sky" Initiative

Shanghai is pursuing its ambitious UAM development through the "City of Sky" initiative. The city marked a milestone on January 16, 2025, when EHang's EH216-S completed its first downtown flight. The city has launched trial sightseeing routes along the Huangpu River from Longhua Airport, a key hub for various low-altitude operations.

Shanghai's Action Plan for High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy Industry (2024-2027) sets forth comprehensive goals, including:

• Establishing 400 low-altitude flight routes
• Developing a complete industrial system for low-altitude aircraft
• Growing the core industry value to over ¥50 billion ($6.9 billion)
• Implementing over 100 commercial applications across various sectors
• Integrating advanced technologies like AI, big data, BeiDou navigation, and 5G communications

The city is also collaborating with municipalities in the Yangtze River Delta region to create a national demonstration area for low-altitude economic development, expanding operations across nine cities within the G60 Science and Innovation Corridor.

Future Implications

These developments in Shenzhen and Shanghai demonstrate the feasibility of integrating high-frequency eVTOL operations into urban environments while highlighting the potential for intercity air taxi networks. Both regions leverage UAM to drive economic growth through tourism, logistics optimization, and job creation. Their strategic planning and innovation set global benchmarks for advanced air mobility, supported by strong public-private partnerships and comprehensive infrastructure development.