Strategic Partnership between EHang and FAdeA to Advance Urban Air Mobility in Latin America
Introduction
At the 2025 Paris Air Show, China’s urban air mobility (UAM) technology platform company EHang announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Argentina’s leading aircraft manufacturer FAdeA (Fábrica Argentina de Aviones “Brigadier San Martín” S.A.). This partnership represents a significant milestone in EHang’s expansion into the Latin American market and reinforces its commitment to sustainable global growth.
Focus of the Partnership
The collaboration focuses on the deployment of EHang’s EH216-S autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft system across Argentina and the broader Latin American region. Key areas of cooperation include:
- Airworthiness certification
- Localized production
- Development of operational support systems tailored to regional requirements
FAdeA’s Role and Capabilities
- Leading aerospace manufacturer in Argentina
- Strong engineering and research & development capabilities
- Comprehensive aircraft manufacturing infrastructure
- Established relationships with regulatory authorities
- Proven track record in civil aviation supporting large-scale aircraft operations
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This partnership aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – By fostering innovation in urban air mobility technology and infrastructure development in Latin America.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Through the creation of smart, safe, and sustainable urban transportation ecosystems.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Promoting electric-powered aircraft to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Demonstrating international cooperation between China and Argentina to advance sustainable aviation technologies.
Statements from Leadership
Ms. Xiang Jing, Chief Operating Officer for Europe and Latin America at EHang, emphasized the partnership’s importance:
“The collaboration with FAdeA is a major milestone in EHang’s global strategy. Together, we aim to build a smart, safe, and sustainable urban air mobility ecosystem in Latin America, leveraging cutting-edge aviation technology to serve the cities of the future. FAdeA’s technical expertise and policy alignment make it an ideal long-term partner for us in the region.”
FAdeA CEO Julio Manco added:
“This agreement reflects FAdeA’s commitment to embracing next-generation aviation technologies. We look forward to working with EHang to position Argentina as a key hub for advanced air mobility in Latin America and to modernize the regional aerospace ecosystem.”
Significance of the Agreement
- The signing at the prestigious Paris Air Show highlights the strategic importance of Latin America in the global low-altitude economy.
- The partnership marks the first major introduction of Chinese eVTOL technology into the Latin American market.
- It adds momentum to both companies’ roles within the global advanced aviation value chain.
Conclusion
The EHang-FAdeA partnership exemplifies a forward-looking approach to sustainable urban air mobility, contributing to the achievement of multiple SDGs by integrating innovative technology, fostering international cooperation, and promoting environmentally friendly transportation solutions in Latin America.
Photo credit: EHang
1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- The article discusses the development and deployment of advanced urban air mobility technology (eVTOL aircraft), highlighting innovation in aerospace manufacturing and infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- The focus on building a “smart, safe, and sustainable urban air mobility ecosystem” aligns with making cities more sustainable and improving urban transportation.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EHang and FAdeA exemplifies international collaboration and partnerships to advance technology and sustainable development.
2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs
- SDG 9 Targets
- Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including aerospace manufacturing.
- Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development and research in developing regions such as Latin America.
- SDG 11 Targets
- Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving urban mobility.
- Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by improving air quality through sustainable transport solutions.
- SDG 17 Targets
- Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development through multi-stakeholder partnerships.
- Target 17.7: Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress
- For SDG 9
- Number of research and development (R&D) projects or patents related to eVTOL and aerospace technologies in Latin America.
- Level of technological capability and production infrastructure established locally (e.g., localized production of EH216-S aircraft).
- For SDG 11
- Availability and operational deployment of sustainable urban air mobility systems in Latin American cities.
- Reduction in urban air pollution levels attributable to adoption of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
- For SDG 17
- Number and scope of international partnerships and agreements facilitating technology transfer and sustainable urban mobility solutions.
- Extent of policy alignment and regulatory approvals supporting new aviation technologies in the region.
4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals |
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Source: autonews.gasgoo.com