EHang 216 AAV Conducted Trial Flights in Japan

Rhea-AI Summary

EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) announced the successful maiden trial flight of its passenger-grade autonomous aerial vehicle, EHang 216, in Japan. This milestone marks EHang 216 as the first AAV to receive permission for outdoor trial flights in open airspace in Japan, facilitated by a permit from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The trial was conducted in collaboration with the Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group. The event signifies progress in urban air mobility solutions and sets the stage for further development in Japan.

Positive

• EHang 216 successfully completed the first unmanned and autonomous trial flight in Japan.
• EHang 216 is the first passenger-grade AAV granted permission for outdoor trial flights in Japan.
• The trial demonstrates EHang's leadership in autonomous aerial vehicle technology and urban air mobility.

Negative

• None.

GUANGZHOU, China, June 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) (“EHang” or the “Company”), the world's leading autonomous aerial vehicle (“AAV”) technology platform company, announced today its flagship passenger-grade AAV EHang 216 successfully performed its maiden Japan unmanned and autonomous trial flight to showcase safe, autonomous, eco-friendly urban air mobility (“UAM”) solutions. Ahead of the trial flight, the EHang 216 obtained a trial flight permit from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (“MLIT”) with a local partner. EHang 216 was the first passenger-grade AAV granted permission for outdoor open airspace trial flights in Japan.

One of the trial flights was completed at the “Leading the Revolution of Urban Air Mobility” event, organized by the Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group (“MASC”) and EHang at Kasaoka Air Station in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Looking ahead, EHang and MASC will collaborate to further develop new air transportation use cases in Japan.

At the event, the Chief Cabinet Secretary Mr. Kato Katsunobu appointed his secretary, Mr. Sugihara Yohei, to attend the event and delivered a speech on his behalf, saying, "At present, many companies around the world have launched such flying car projects, and are conducting research and development and demonstration projects. As the government, we will actively improve aviation regulations while supporting private enterprises in a timely and appropriate manner."

Other guests included Ms. Ito Kaori, the Mayor of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Mr. Yoshifumi Kobayashi, the Mayor of Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture, Mr. Inoue Mineichi, the Head of the Kurashiki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mr. Sugimoto Tetsuya, the Head of Kasaoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc. Mr. Hashimoto Gaku, member of the Japan House of Representatives and Mr. Narisawa Koichi, the Counselor of Civil Aviation Bureau at MLIT, sent their best regards and comments.

Mr. Hashimoto said, “I am very pleased that Japan’s first trial flight of a flying car took place in the land of Okayama. We have high expectations for flying cars as a new generation for the growth industries. We look forward to developing flying cars as social services through public-private cooperation.”

In 2018, the Japanese government established the "Public-Private Council for Air Transportation Revolution" and formulated a Roadmap towards Air Transportation Revolution. The Council aims to start the business services of air transportation of goods and people utilizing flying vehicles by 2023 with gradual expansion from rural areas to urban areas. According to the blueprint, the Civil Aviation Bureau of the MLIT is studying and improving related systems such as the type and airworthiness safety standards for flying cars and the certification of pilots.

Watch the video of the EHang 216 trial flights in Japan: https://youtu.be/2WaYLNG5zX0

About EHang
EHang (Nasdaq: EH) is the world's leading autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company. Our mission is to make safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility accessible to everyone. EHang provides customers in various industries with AAV products and commercial solutions: air mobility (including passenger transportation and logistics), smart city management, and aerial media solutions. As the forerunner of cutting-edge AAV technologies and commercial solutions in the global Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry, EHang continues to explore the boundaries of the sky to make flying technologies benefit our life in smart cities. For more information, please visit www.ehang.com.

About MASC
MASC was established in 2017 as a study group for the realization of an aerospace industry cluster in the Mizushima area of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, and became a general incorporated association MASC (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Chairman Koji Kirino) in April 2021. With the aerospace industry at its core, related industries will take on the challenge of new establishments and new businesses in Kurashiki City and the Takaryo River basin to develop local manufacturing and give "dreams" to the next generation with advanced technology that can be used. MASC regards the flying car industry as a growing industry shouldering the air mobility revolution, and will carry out substantial business activities and promote the realization of various social services. https://aerospace-kurashiki.net/

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Management has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While they believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management's control. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause EHang's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Media Contact: pr@ehang.com

Investor Contact: ir@ehang.com
In the U.S.: Julia@blueshirtgroup.com
In China: Susie@blueshirtgroup.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe9f187b-200a-452b-8dbc-34e5c5000c20
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cbf92d95-65a6-4d6c-88f7-23ac225dc6ef

FAQ

What is the significance of EHang 216's trial flight in Japan?

The trial flight showcases EHang's advancements in urban air mobility and is significant as it marks the first outdoor trial flight of a passenger-grade AAV in Japan.

When did EHang conduct its first trial flight in Japan?

EHang conducted its first trial flight in Japan on June 4, 2021.

What organization granted EHang 216 permission for the trial flight?

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan granted EHang 216 permission for the trial flight.

What future collaborations is EHang planning in Japan?

EHang plans to collaborate with the Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group to develop new air transportation use cases.

What are the expected outcomes of the Japanese government's roadmap for air transportation?

The Japanese government's roadmap aims to start business services for air transportation using flying vehicles by 2023, expanding from rural to urban areas.