Chinese company EHang Holdings, a leading autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology platform company, and Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer Monarch Holding, have joined efforts to establish the first facility in the Middle East and North Africa to manufacture and operate sustainable electric-powered aircraft and drones for passengers and cargo transportation in Abu Dhabi.

The cooperation aims to manufacture sustainable electric aircrafts and drones; establish a command-and-control center to manage the urban air mobility autonomously; and build infrastructure, vertiports (take-off and landing platforms), and facilities for operating electric aircrafts and drones; as well as providing opportunities to qualify and train talents.

The project contributes to revitalizing markets and supporting local products by facilitating the flow of goods and merchandise to sales outlets, ports and airports as well as enhancing trade, said the two sides.

The partnership will help establish an advanced infrastructure for vertiports and an autonomous flight management system operated by artificial intelligence, supporting sustainable and electric-powered commercial aircraft and drones through cooperation with local entities, enabling Abu Dhabi to adopt urban aviation technologies.

The project, which focuses on improving smart and sustainable mobility, will enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa.

Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: "As part of its efforts to transition to the next phase of economic diversification, Abu Dhabi is focusing on knowledge-based, innovation-driven economic sectors. The Industrial strategy is a major factor to achieve our objectives as its programs aim to enhance, encourage, and adopt methods and technologies of industry 4.0, circular economy, talent development, ecosystem enablement, homegrown supply chain and value chain development."

Hussain Ali Alomaeirah, founder and chairman of Monarch Holding, said: "Monarch is establishing partnerships with the world’s best manufacturer of electric aircrafts, and a designer and consulting company for the urban air mobility, which develops and operates the most advanced UAM systems in the world."