China’s eMainworld leads the frontier of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) with a new hub at Lleida-Alguaire airport. This center is dedicated to advancing passenger drones and autonomous aerial vehicles controlled remotely, signaling a significant milestone for European air mobility.
The installation marks the introduction of the first electric aircraft in Europe designed for unmanned Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) operations. This vessel is expected to serve as a reference model for the seamless integration of eVTOLs into airport infrastructure and modern air traffic management systems, setting a standard for future deployments across the region.
The EH216-S eVTOL from EHang is stationed at the UAM Center and represents the world’s first certified passenger transportation vehicle in this emerging sector. It will deliver real-world operational data and experience to support safe integration within European airspace, contributing to regulatory and practical knowledge essential for broad adoption.
The center features a dedicated take-off and landing area for air taxis and adheres to the design criteria established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This vertiport is engineered for strong terminal integration with airport operations, expanding the practical scope of air taxi services and accelerating their deployment in additional locations.
During the launch, a company spokesperson explained that the creation of EHang’s European UAM hub marks a pivotal step in the company’s international strategy. The executive highlighted the hub as a demonstration of commitment to the growth and expansion of Urban Air Mobility in Europe, with the aim of sharing certified technology and extensive operational know-how with partners worldwide. The stated goal remains to realize a shared vision of society benefiting from safe, autonomous, and green urban air mobility solutions.
A government official remarked on the collaboration with EHang as a leading force in unmanned aerial vehicle development and congratulated the selection of the international airport as Europe’s inaugural UAM base. This collaboration underscores Europe’s readiness to pilot new mobility concepts at a major gateway, fostering innovation and public confidence in the technology.
Officials explained that the European UAM Center was conceived to support EHang’s activities within SESAR-JU U-ELCOME and EUSPA SAMVA programs. The facility will also implement its applications in cutting-edge urban air mobility projects, while aligning with certification and airworthiness standards to propel industry growth and move urban air mobility closer to becoming a full-fledged transportation option in Europe. Attribution: EHang press materials and related government statements.