Guangzhou-based flying taxi company EHang has signed a partnership with a subsidiary of contractor China Communications to develop the industry.
The deal with China Communications Information & Technology (CCIT) is aimed at developing infrastructure and technology for EHang’s autonomous flying vehicles, as well as working out how the service should operate.
The pair aim to build 100 urban terminals over the next three years, and 100 terminals for “low-altitude tourism” in scenic spots.
They’ll also set up a fund, a research institute and a vocational training academy to integrate digital technologies such as 5G, 6G and satellite communications.
Zhao Wang, EHang’s chief operating officer, said the aim was to speed up construction of “a smart low-altitude new infrastructure system”.
A number of European so-called “urban air mobility” companies hit trouble recently.
German firms Lillium and Volocopter both filed for bankruptcy in November, and UK engineer Rolls-Royce decided to end plans for an electric flying taxi business.
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