EHang Holdings Limited, a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM), has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology (CAST). This partnership, witnessed by Hefei municipal officials, aims to accelerate the commercialization of the low-altitude economy and enhance China’s competitiveness in aviation technology.
The collaboration focuses on six key areas: resource sharing, joint innovation, project collaboration, R&D, standards development, and talent cultivation. As a comprehensive research institute under the CAAC, CAST brings strong expertise in aviation safety and operations. EHang, a pioneer in the sector, contributes leading capabilities in aircraft R&D, airworthiness certification, and commercial operations. Together, they will work on new aviation system R&D, airworthiness compliance, operational standards, and operator training.
A core objective is to optimize the low-altitude operational ecosystem, addressing challenges in regulatory frameworks and operational efficiency. The partnership will involve vertiport layout planning, flight procedure design, and the establishment of integrated low-altitude management platforms. Both parties will also pool domestic and international resources to support the formulation and improvement of industry regulations and standards, promoting the safe and stable operation of next-generation aircraft.
Prior to the signing ceremony, the CAST delegation visited the Hefei UAM Operation Center and witnessed a demonstration flight of EHang’s pilotless EH216-S eVTOL aircraft. This underscores the practical focus of the collaboration on commercial operations.
President Li Yu of CAST stated that the agreement leverages both parties’ strengths in airworthiness certification and regulatory standards to promote high-quality development. Zhao Wang, COO of EHang, emphasized that combining EHang’s innovation with CAST’s scientific strength will help address challenges in compliance, safety, and efficiency for scaled operations. This alliance is a significant strategic step aimed at injecting new momentum into the sustainable growth of the industry.
