EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH) took its lumps Friday, as the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility technology platform company today announced that its EH216-S pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft completed debut passenger flights in Thailand at the renowned Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in central Bangkok.
The flights mark a new milestone for expanding EHang’s eVTOL flight footprint to the 18th country globally. With the permission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, the company is also planning to conduct flight tests on EH216-S in Thailand and launch commercial flight operations in various regions such as Phuket and Koh Samui by 2025, to collaboratively open Thailand’s low-altitude airspace and air mobility market.
The EH216-S is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, eliminating the need for traditional airport runways, and can conduct point-to-point air transportation in city centers, effectively alleviating Thailand’s issues with ground traffic congestion. Additionally, Thailand is a country with many islands and abundant tourism resources. Traditional water transportation methods are time-consuming, and the application of EH216-S can provide efficient and accessible island-hopping air transportation services, meeting demands for transportation solutions in the tourism industry.
EH shares began Friday down 57 cents, or 3.3%, to $16.90.