Keen to boost its low altitude economy ambitions in China, drone manufacturer EHang has announced the launch of its Exhibition (Experience) Centre in Shenzhen’s Luohu Sports and Leisure Park.

In a statement, EHang said the Luohu UAM Centre is the world’s first EH216-S take-off and landing site featuring a fully automated vertical lift vertiport.

It also marks a new smart infrastructure in Shenzhen dedicated to the commercial operations of the EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicle, establishing a groundbreaking model for electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft operations in urban areas.

Spanning approximately 753 square metres, the centre boasts an automated three-dimensional vertical lift vertiport, reduces labour costs and optimises space usage through its automated operations.

The first floor is dedicated to a hangar and boarding area, providing passengers with a seamless and comfortable experience. The integrated take-off and landing pad with the hangar enables rapid charging, thereby streamlining flight operations.

The centre was opened on January 21, with an EH216-S aircraft flying from the first to the second floor by the vertical lift platform. It then took to the skies, completing a lap over the Luohu Sports and Leisure Park before landing smoothly, marking its first flight at the Luohu UAM Center. The demonstration received widespread acclaim from attendees.

“The Luohu District Low-Altitude Infrastructure High-Quality Construction Plan (2024-2026) outlines a comprehensive approach to developing low-altitude take-off and landing infrastructure in the district,” Ehanga said in a statement.

“The Plan aims to build 100 take-off and landing sites by 2026, including 32 take-off and landing facilities for passenger-carrying aircraft.

“As Luohu District’s first smart UAM operation centre, it will provide a solid foundation for the commercial operations of the district’s low-altitude economy, serving as a demonstration model for low-altitude economy development and a new landmark for cultural and tourism initiatives.

The Luohu UAM Centre is located near attractions like the Wutong Mountain (also known as Shenzhen’s First Peak) and Donghu Reservoir, offering abundant natural mountain and lake scenery, making it an ideal location for developing low-altitude sightseeing tourism.

EHang said it would take advantage of the centre to further deepen its strategic cooperation with the Luohu District Bureau of Culture, Broadcasting, Tourism, and Sports, which began last January.

“Together with its partners, EHang aims to provide diverse service scenarios, including aerial transportation, cultural and tourism sightseeing, and technology experiences, to advance innovative business models for the low-altitude economy in Luohu District and Shenzhen,” the company said.

“The low-altitude economy is a strategic emerging and a key focus for future development prioritised by Shenzhen’s Luohu District. Currently, Luohu District is taking comprehensive initiatives to developing the low-altitude economy, including top-level planning, policy support, infrastructure development, demonstration of application scenarios, market player cultivation, and talent training.

The District has already established fifteen vertiports for passenger-carrying aircraft, aiming to build a robust industry ecosystem for the low-altitude economy.

“In collaboration with our partners, EHang has established operational infrastructure for EH216-S aircraft in cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hefei, Wuxi, Taiyuan, and Wenzhou Wencheng,” said Zhao Wang, EHang’s Chief Operating Officer.

“The Luohu UAM Centre, featuring an automated vertical lift platform design, represents an innovative approach to infrastructure development for the low-altitude economy. It will serve as a cornerstone of EHang’s operations in Shenzhen’s low-altitude economy.”

One of the pioneer passenger drone-making companies in the world, EHang is making significant inroads on passenger drone adoption in China; mainly through tourism. The company has partnered with several municipalities and tourism resorts in the country, to supply them with passenger drones which holiday makers fly in while sightseeing.

“Leveraging our first-mover advantage in the eVTOL sector, we will continue working with our partners in Shenzhen to develop and refine the integrated growth of the low-altitude economy and ground economy,” Wang added.

“Our efforts aim to promote high-quality advancement of the low-altitude economy in Shenzhen and the Greater Bay Area, providing a valuable reference for safe and efficient eVTOL operations nationwide and globally.”