EHang Jingyue Partnership Advances China Low-Altitude Economy

EHang and Jingyue High-Tech Zone: A Strategic Leap in China’s Low-Altitude Economy

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is no longer a futuristic concept; it is rapidly becoming a tangible solution to urban congestion, emergency response, and tourism enhancement. One of the most compelling developments in this space is the recent strategic cooperation between EHang Holdings Limited and the Jingyue High-Tech Industrial Development Zone in Changchun, Jilin Province. Announced in June 2025, this partnership marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of autonomous aerial vehicles in China and globally.

This collaboration involves the deployment of 41 EH216-S pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and the establishment of a provincial-level demonstration zone for low-altitude economic development. With Changchun’s ambition to become a regional leader in this emerging sector, the partnership sets the stage for a holistic integration of industrial innovation, regulatory frameworks, and real-world application scenarios.

Strategic Partnership and Deployment Goals

Scope of the Agreement

The cornerstone of the agreement is the procurement of 41 EH216-S pilotless eVTOLs by Jilin Aerospace Industry Development Investment Co., Ltd. These aircraft are not just technological showcases, they are functional tools set to be deployed in three critical domains: low-altitude sightseeing, urban emergency response, and city traffic management.

Changchun’s “Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy (2024–2026)” outlines ambitious goals, including achieving RMB3 billion ($410 million USD) in economic output by 2026. The EH216-S units will play a central role in realizing this vision by enabling practical, scalable use cases that integrate with the city’s broader development strategy.

Jingyue Hi-Tech Zone, the hub of this initiative, is already equipped with a robust digital infrastructure spanning Northeast China. This includes airspace management systems, low-altitude digital coding, satellite communications, and regional computing power nodes, laying the groundwork for efficient command and dispatch of autonomous aircraft.

“This partnership sets a new benchmark for integrating UAM into urban ecosystems, combining regulatory foresight, technological readiness, and economic ambition.”, Industry Analyst, Urban Mobility Forum

Application Scenarios

The 41 EH216-S aircraft will serve diverse operational roles. In tourism, they will offer aerial sightseeing over iconic destinations like Jingyuetan National Forest Park and Changying Century City. These 5A-rated attractions make the Jingyue Hi-Tech Zone an ideal testbed for the “low-altitude + tourism” model, enhancing visitor experiences while reducing ground traffic congestion.

For urban emergency response, the EH216-S and its firefighting variant, the 216F, will be deployed for rapid intervention in fire incidents and medical supply deliveries. The 216F model includes a 150-liter extinguishing payload, making it suitable for high-rise fire scenarios where traditional vehicles face limitations.

In terms of city traffic management, the aircraft will provide real-time aerial monitoring of road networks. This data will feed into the city’s traffic control systems, enabling faster incident response and more efficient traffic flow management.

Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development

Jingyue Hi-Tech Zone is more than just a deployment site; it is evolving into a comprehensive aerospace innovation ecosystem. The zone is developing an “Integrated Aerospace Triad” that includes a low-altitude smart connectivity test site for extreme cold climates, an aerospace big data industrial park, and a smart manufacturing hub for aerospace equipment.

EHang will actively contribute to the planning and construction of the Low-altitude Intelligent Connected Cold-region Testing Site, also known as the Jilin Drone Inspection and Testing Center. This facility will help validate the EH216-S’s performance in harsh environments, addressing one of the key challenges in autonomous aviation, battery efficiency and airframe durability in extreme cold.

With temperatures in Northeast China often dropping below -30°C, successful operations here could pave the way for expansion into similarly cold climates in regions like Scandinavia and Canada, significantly broadening EHang’s global market potential.

Regulatory and Market Context

Certification Milestones and Competitive Edge

EHang has achieved several regulatory firsts that set it apart from global competitors. In October 2023, the company received the world’s first type certificate (TC) for a pilotless eVTOL from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This was followed by a standard airworthiness certificate (AC) in December 2023 and a production certificate (PC) in April 2024. In March 2025, EHang’s operators obtained air operator certificates (OC), enabling full commercial operations.

These certifications are crucial for scaling operations, especially as Western competitors like Lilium and Archer Aviation are still navigating complex regulatory landscapes with the FAA and EASA. EHang’s centralized, pilotless model also offers cost advantages by eliminating the need for trained pilots and enabling real-time fleet management via 5G networks.

In 2024, EHang reported a 288.5% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching RMB456.2 million ($62.1 million USD), largely driven by demand for the EH216-S. This financial growth underscores the market’s readiness for autonomous aerial solutions and the effectiveness of EHang’s business model.

Policy Framework and National Strategy

The strategic partnership aligns closely with China’s broader policy direction. In July 2023, the State Council formally endorsed low-altitude economic development, aiming for $280 billion in annual output by 2030. The regulatory environment has been streamlined to support rapid deployment, contrasting with slower, more fragmented approaches in Western markets.

Changchun’s local action plan is part of this national narrative, emphasizing safety assurance, scenario expansion, and industrial growth. The city aims to create over 50 application cases by 2025, foster vertiport infrastructure, and establish manufacturing clusters, all of which are directly supported by the EHang-Jingyue collaboration.

Hong Kong’s recent launch of a regulatory sandbox with 38 pilot projects further illustrates China’s unified approach to UAM commercialization. This cohesive policy framework gives companies like EHang a significant head start in the global race for urban air mobility leadership.

Global Market Implications

The global UAM market is projected to reach $23.5 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.2%. EHang’s focus on autonomous, pilotless operations positions it uniquely within this expanding market. Unlike Western counterparts that rely on piloted models, EHang’s approach is inherently more scalable and cost-efficient.

However, challenges remain. Geopolitical tensions may limit export opportunities, and Western regulatory bodies may impose stricter safety standards. The FAA, for instance, is implementing Advisory Circular 21.17-4 for aircraft under 12,500 lbs, while the EU’s EASA maintains rigorous safety probability thresholds.

Nonetheless, EHang’s success in China provides a replicable model for other nations exploring UAM integration. With operations expanding to cities like Guangzhou and Hefei, the company is well-positioned to influence global UAM policies and practices.

Conclusion

The strategic partnership between EHang and Jingyue High-Tech Zone is a landmark in the evolution of urban air mobility. By combining advanced technology, regulatory milestones, and real-world application scenarios, this initiative offers a comprehensive blueprint for low-altitude economic development.

As cities worldwide grapple with urban congestion, emergency response limitations, and sustainable tourism, the success of the Changchun model could inspire similar initiatives globally. With the right policy support and public engagement, autonomous aerial vehicles may soon become a routine feature of modern urban life.

FAQ

• What is the EH216-S? The EH216-S is a pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by EHang. It features 16 rotors, a top speed of 130 km/h, and a range of 35 km.
• What are the main use cases for the EH216-S in Changchun? The aircraft will be used for low-altitude sightseeing, urban emergency response (including firefighting and medical delivery), and city traffic management.
• What makes Jingyue Hi-Tech Zone ideal for this initiative? Jingyue offers a robust digital infrastructure, rich tourism resources, and is part of China’s national regulatory sandbox for low-altitude economy development.
• How does EHang compare with Western competitors? EHang has a regulatory and deployment advantage due to full CAAC certification and a pilotless model, offering cost and scalability benefits over piloted aircraft from companies like Lilium and Archer Aviation.
• What are the broader goals of China’s low-altitude economy strategy? China aims to achieve $280 billion in annual output by 2030, with a focus on safety, scenario development, and industrial growth in the UAM sector.

Sources

href=”https://www.ehang.com/news/1233.html”>EHang Official Announcement, Civil Aviation Administration of China