Technology & Innovation
EHang Jingyue Partnership Advances China Low-Altitude Economy
EHang collaborates with Jingyue High-Tech Zone to deploy 41 autonomous eVTOLs in Changchun, targeting tourism, emergency services, and urban traffic solutions.
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.
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 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EHang and Jingyue High-Tech Zone: A Strategic Leap in China’s Low-Altitude Economy
Strategic Partnership and Deployment Goals
Scope of the Agreement
Application Scenarios
Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development
Regulatory and Market Context
Certification Milestones and Competitive Edge
Policy Framework and National Strategy
Global Market Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
Sources
href=”https://www.ehang.com/news/1233.html”>EHang Official Announcement, Civil Aviation Administration of China
Photo Credit: EHang
Technology & Innovation
PsiQuantum and Airbus Partner on Quantum Computing for Aerospace CFD
PsiQuantum and Airbus collaborate on QuLAB to develop quantum algorithms improving Computational Fluid Dynamics for aerospace design and sustainability.
This article is based on an official press release from PsiQuantum and Airbus.
On January 13, 2026, PsiQuantum and Airbus announced a strategic collaboration aimed at integrating fault-tolerant quantum computing into the aerospace sector. The partnership, centered around a joint initiative called “QuLAB” located at Airbus, focuses on developing advanced quantum algorithms to solve complex challenges in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
According to the joint announcement, the collaboration seeks to move beyond theoretical exploration and toward the development of practical, utility-scale applications. The companies aim to address aerodynamic problems that are currently intractable or highly inefficient for classical supercomputers, potentially accelerating the design of sustainable aircraft.
The core technical focus of the QuLAB project is the optimization of aircraft aerodynamics through improved simulation capabilities. Traditional CFD simulations often struggle with the immense computational power required to model turbulence and airflow over complex geometries, such as landing gear or wing flaps.
To address this, PsiQuantum and Airbus have developed a Quantum Lattice Boltzmann Algorithm (QLB). Unlike traditional methods that solve Navier-Stokes equations directly, the Lattice Boltzmann method simulates fluids as fictitious particles on a grid. The partners report that the quantum version of this algorithm leverages superposition to handle particle interactions more efficiently.
The collaboration has already produced a technical paper titled “Simulating Non-Trivial Incompressible Flows With a Quantum Lattice Boltzmann Algorithm,” the findings of which were presented at the AIAA SciTech 2026 Forum in Orlando, Florida. The research demonstrates how fault-tolerant quantum computers could offer exponential speedups in modeling these complex fluid flows.
In a statement regarding the partnership, Alexander Kolks, Chief Business Officer at PsiQuantum, emphasized the transformative nature of this technology:
“Our partnership with Airbus underscores quantum computing’s game-changing potential for the aerospace industry, and our shared commitment to collaborate at the leading edge. As PsiQuantum prepares to build and deploy the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computers, we are working closely with world-leading companies to ensure they are prepared to take full advantage of this technology.”
This collaboration highlights a distinct shift in the quantum computing landscape from “Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum” (NISQ) experiments to preparation for fault-tolerant hardware. PsiQuantum, which utilizes a photonic (light-based) approach to qubit generation, argues that error correction is essential for achieving industrial breakthroughs. By leveraging standard semiconductor manufacturing, the company aims to scale up to the millions of qubits necessary for fault tolerance. For Airbus, this partnerships is part of a broader strategy to decarbonize aviation. More accurate aerodynamic simulations can lead to lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft designs, directly contributing to sustainability goals. This announcement follows Airbus’s previous engagements in the quantum space, including its “Quantum Mobility Quest.”
We observe a growing trend of “quantum readiness” among major industrial players. This announcement comes just months after PsiQuantum formed a similar strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin in November 2025. The pattern suggests that aerospace leaders are no longer waiting for utility-scale hardware to be fully operational before investing in software development.
By developing algorithms like the QLB now, companies like Airbus are positioning themselves to deploy quantum solutions immediately once the hardware capabilities catch up. This proactive approach mitigates the risk of a “software bottleneck” when fault-tolerant machines eventually come online.
What is the “QuLAB”? What is the specific technical focus of this partnership? Why is this important for the aviation industry?
PsiQuantum and Airbus Launch “QuLAB” to Revolutionize Aerospace Design
Solving the Turbulence Challenge with Quantum Algorithms
Strategic Context: The Race for Fault Tolerance
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
QuLAB is the project name for the collaboration between PsiQuantum and Airbus, located at Airbus facilities, focused on developing quantum algorithms for aerospace applications.
The primary focus is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), specifically using a Quantum Lattice Boltzmann Algorithm (QLB) to simulate complex airflow and turbulence more efficiently than classical computers.
Improved simulations can reduce the reliance on expensive wind tunnel testing and lead to more aerodynamic, fuel-efficient aircraft designs, aiding the industry’s decarbonization efforts.
Sources
Photo Credit: PsiQuantum
Technology & Innovation
JetZero Raises $175M Series B to Develop Blended Wing Body Aircraft
JetZero secures $175 million Series B funding to accelerate development of its Blended Wing Body aircraft, with a demonstrator flight planned for 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from JetZero.
On January 13, 2026, JetZero, the California-based aerospace company developing the “Blended Wing Body” (BWB) airframe, announced the successful closing of a $175 million Series B financing round. According to the company’s official statement, the funding will accelerate the development of its full-scale demonstrator aircraft, which is currently scheduled for its maiden flight in 2027.
The investment round was led by B Capital, a global multi-stage investment firm, and included participation from several high-profile strategic partners in the aviation and defense sectors. This latest injection of capital brings JetZero’s total funding, including private capital, government grants, and commercial commitments, to over $1 billion, signaling strong industry confidence in the potential for a radical shift in aircraft design.
The Series B round drew support from major industry players, underscoring the dual commercial and military applications of JetZero’s technology. Alongside B Capital, the round saw renewed or new commitments from:
In the press release, JetZero leadership emphasized that this diverse investor base reflects the broader industry’s readiness to move beyond traditional aircraft architectures.
“The strength and diversity of our investor base reflects the momentum behind JetZero and the industry’s readiness to reshape the future of aviation. This round brings together key strategic partners across the value chain… to deliver an efficient aircraft that elevates the passenger experience.”
Tom O’Leary, Co-founder and CEO of JetZero
JetZero’s primary innovation is the Blended Wing Body (BWB) design. Unlike the “tube-and-wing” shape that has dominated commercial aviation for over 60 years, the BWB integrates the fuselage and wing into a single aerodynamic structure. According to JetZero, this design eliminates the need for a tail and allows the entire aircraft to generate lift.
The company claims this architecture will deliver a 50% reduction in fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to traditional aircraft of similar size. Additionally, the design mounts engines on top of the fuselage, which is expected to significantly reduce noise pollution on the ground.
The capital raised will primarily fund the construction and flight testing of the full-scale demonstrator. This prototype is also supported by a $235 million U.S. Air Force contract awarded in 2023. JetZero has stated that the demonstrator is on track to fly in the first quarter of 2027. Following the demonstrator phase, the company aims to certify a commercial passenger liner, the Z4, which targets the middle-of-the-market segment with a capacity of over 250 passengers. “As aviation faces rising emissions and fuel costs, the need for a step change in efficiency has never been greater. JetZero is positioned to reshape the industry.”
Jeff Johnson, General Partner at B Capital
While the funding milestone is significant, the path to commercial entry remains steep. The aviation industry is under immense pressure to decarbonize by 2050, and with hydrogen and electric propulsion technologies still facing significant hurdles for large aircraft, aerodynamic efficiency offers the most immediate solution. However, certifying a completely new airframe architecture is a rigorous process.
JetZero’s target for commercial entry by 2030 is viewed by some industry observers as ambitious. The “tube-and-wing” design is a known quantity for regulators; a BWB introduces new variables regarding emergency evacuation, cabin pressurization, and airport compatibility. However, the backing of heavyweights like Northrop Grumman and United Airlines suggests that the industry views these risks as manageable in exchange for the promised 50% efficiency leap.
The Series B round was led by B Capital. Strategic investors include United Airlines Ventures, Northrop Grumman, RTX Ventures, and 3M Ventures. Alaska Airlines also invested in 2024 via Alaska Star Ventures.
The full-scale demonstrator aircraft is scheduled for its maiden flight in the first quarter of 2027. Commercial entry is targeted for 2030.
The design allows the entire fuselage to generate lift, significantly reducing drag. This results in up to 50% lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional aircraft.
JetZero Secures $175 Million Series B to Propel Blended Wing Body Aircraft
Strategic Investment and Industry Backing
The Blended Wing Body Advantage
Development Timeline
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main investors in JetZero?
When will the JetZero aircraft fly?
What is the main advantage of the Blended Wing Body?
Sources
Photo Credit: JetZero
Technology & Innovation
Skyports and Linden Airport to Redevelop Miami’s Watson Island Heliport
Skyports and Linden Airport Services plan to transform Miami’s Watson Island Heliport into a dual-use Advanced Air Mobility hub with electrification and terminal upgrades.
This article is based on an official press release from Skyports Infrastructure.
On January 8, 2026, Skyports Infrastructure, a global leader in vertiport development, and Linden Airport Services Corporation announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to redevelop the Watson Island Heliport in Miami. This partnership aims to transform the historic site into a “next-generation” Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) hub capable of supporting both traditional Helicopters and future electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in Miami’s efforts to position itself as a leader in urban air mobility. Situated on the MacArthur Causeway, the Watson Island facility offers a strategic link between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach. According to the announcement, the redevelopment will modernize the existing infrastructure to accommodate the electrification requirements of air taxis while maintaining service for internal combustion engine helicopters.
This collaboration brings together Skyports’ international expertise in designing and operating vertiports, demonstrated by their projects in Dubai and Paris, with Linden Airport Services’ long-standing tenure as the site’s leaseholder. The project is expected to serve as a critical node in a broader South Florida AAM network, potentially connecting key locations such as Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
The core objective of the MOU is to create a dual-use facility that bridges the gap between current aviation needs and the future of electric flight. While specific architectural renderings have not yet been released, Skyports has indicated that the “modernization” will align with their standard vertiport design specifications. The facility is designed to handle current helicopter traffic immediately while preparing for the Certification and commercial launch of eVTOL aircraft.
According to the press release, the redevelopment will focus on several critical areas to ensure the site is ready for high-frequency air taxi operations:
Linden Airport Services Corporation has held the lease for the Watson Island site for over 20 years. The project has historically faced delays due to legal challenges and regulatory hurdles involving zoning and neighboring operators. However, the announcement confirms that final occupancy permits are currently being processed, signaling that major barriers have been cleared.
Paul Dudley, CEO of Linden Airport Services Corporation, emphasized the longevity of their commitment to the site in a statement:
“Our commitment to Watson Island spans more than 20 years… Partnering with Skyports enables us to advance the heliport into a modern skyport, engage key aviation and real estate partners, and help establish Miami as a leader in advanced air mobility.”
Skyports Infrastructure brings significant operational experience to the partnership, having worked on the world’s first commercial vertiport projects. Robbie Ladov, General Manager of US Heliports & Vertiports at Skyports, highlighted the site’s unique value: “Watson Island is an extraordinary asset for Miami and a pivotal location for the future of urban aviation. By partnering with Linden, we are combining Skyports’ global leadership in skyport development with Linden’s decades-long dedication to preparing this site.”
The collaboration between Skyports and Linden represents a pragmatic approach to the AAM infrastructure puzzle. Rather than building entirely new sites from scratch, which often invites intense zoning scrutiny and community pushback, retrofitting an existing heliport like Watson Island leverages established flight corridors and land-use permits. This strategy may allow Miami to activate AAM routes faster than cities relying solely on greenfield developments.
However, challenges remain. The transition from a heliport to a high-frequency electric vertiport requires substantial grid power upgrades, a hurdle that has complicated infrastructure projects elsewhere. Additionally, while the infrastructure may be ready, the timeline for commercial operations ultimately depends on the FAA certification of eVTOL aircraft. Until those aircraft are certified, the facility will likely operate primarily as a modernized heliport, serving traditional turbine helicopters.
What is the timeline for the project? The MOU was signed on January 8, 2026. While specific construction timelines were not detailed in the initial announcement, the partners noted that final occupancy permits are currently being processed.
Will the heliport still serve traditional helicopters? Yes. The facility is being developed as a dual-use hub, meaning it will continue to support internal combustion engine helicopters alongside future electric air taxis.
Where is the facility located? The site is located on Watson Island along the MacArthur Causeway, providing rapid access to both Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.
Skyports and Linden Airport Services to Transform Miami’s Watson Island into Premier AAM Hub
Modernization and Infrastructure Plans
Dual-Use Facility Design
Key Infrastructure Upgrades
Strategic Context and Executive Commentary
A Long-Awaited Development
Global Expertise Meets Local Strategy
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Skyports
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