Autonomous aerial vehicle company EHang is intending to build the world's first E-port for AAV services. EHang will cooperate with a local partner in the City of Hezhou in Guangxi Province, China, to build the E-port, which will accelerate the commercialisation of EHang AAVs in the tourism industry. The city of Hezhou is a pioneer in air tourism, and this project will make it a model for air tourism innovation around the world. The E-port is planned to be completed and operational by the end of 2020.

The plan includes the delivery of 20 units of the EHang 216, the company's two-seat passenger-grade AAV, which will be deployed for aerial sightseeing.

The E-port terminal building will be three stories high, covering 2,500 square metres. Architectural features include a first floor reception hall, second floor passenger waiting area and a third floor departure/arrival zone. Four landing pads will be located on the roof-top, which can accommodate the landing/take-off of four AAVs simultaneously.

The combination of EHang's AAV technology and the natural tourism resources of Hezhou can promote and enhance Guangxi's air tourism industry not only in Hezhou, but also in other cities in the province.

“Hezhou is a beautiful city with rich tourism resources, and we are excited to enhance their appeal with our AAVs. As we progress, we intend to create more commercial applications for EHang AAVs, such as aerial sightseeing, which can uniquely merge modern culture and tourism. We also welcome more local partners to join us and embrace the opportunity to a provide safe, autonomous and green approach to travel and sightseeing,” says Hu Huazhi, the founder, chairman and CEO of EHang.