EHang, Cyberport, KC Smart Mobility sign MoU to support Hong Kong in R&D of unmanned eVTOL aircrafts

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- EHang, a Chinese company specializing in urban air mobility (UAM) technology, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with KC Smart Mobility, a subsidiary of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited, and Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport), according to a press release EHang issued on December 11 via its WeChat account.

The collaboration aims to advance the R&D and application of unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Hong Kong, promoting the development of urban air mobility and sustainable transportation solutions in the city.

Photo credit: EHang

Under the MoU, EHang plans to leverage its early-mover advantage in the low-altitude economy to provide safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient urban air mobility solutions. KC Smart Mobility will contribute its expertise in intelligent logistics and public transportation operations to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with Hong Kong's infrastructure. Cyberport, appointed by the HKSAR Government as the venue partner for the low-altitude economy "regulatory sandbox" pilot project, will provide venue facilities and digital infrastructure. This partnership will integrate the strengths of the three parties to advance projects in smart mobility and competent logistics, contributing to the development of Hong Kong's low-altitude economy industry.

Cyberport Chairman Simon CHAN Sai-ming commented, "The low-altitude economy is a key innovation area supported by the nation and an important strategic engine for developing new productivity. This collaboration among Cyberport, KC Smart Mobility, and EHang integrates the strengths of all parties in different fields to drive technological innovation in smart mobility and logistics, further helping Hong Kong develop its low-altitude economy and enhance the foundational strength of strategic emerging industries."

Mr. Wong Leung Pak, Chairman of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited, stated, "Kwoon Chung Bus is committed to providing excellent transportation services. Forming a strategic partnership with EHang and Cyberport marks a new chapter in our passenger transport services. By investing in the R&D and application of eVTOL aircrafts in Hong Kong, we aim to promote the long-term development of the low-altitude economy. We will collaborate to establish industry safety standards for low-altitude airspace traffic and prepare for full commercialization, aligning with the national low-altitude economic development strategy and making timely plans and strategic deployments that fit the Hong Kong market, actively promoting innovation and development ofHong Kong's low-altitude economy industry."

In July this year, EHang signed a cooperation agreement with KC Smart Mobility to promote the deployment and operation of the EH216-S autonomous manned aerial vehicle in Hong Kong, Macao, as well as Hubei province's Xiangyang and Shiyan cities. Under this agreement, KC Smart Mobility plans to procure 30 EH216-S vehicles from EHang.

From November 5 to 7, 2024, EHang, in collaboration with Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited, showcased the EH216-S autonomous manned aircraft at the Super Terminal Expo. This presents a safe, automated, and environmentally friendly advanced air mobility ecosystem and low-altitude economy service solution to attendees from Hong Kong and around the world.