EHang Holdings Limited and the Real Automóvil Club de España have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the integration of Advanced Air Mobility within the motorsport and high-performance mobility sectors.
The partnership combines the technical expertise of EHang, a developer of autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with the long-standing safety and infrastructure experience of RACE, a founding member of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). This collaboration is designed to support the development of mobility services through testing, demonstration flights, and public engagement activities.
A primary component of the framework involves conducting validation flights of EHang’s pilotless aircraft in controlled environments, specifically utilizing the Madrid Jarama – RACE Circuit. Beyond technical testing, the organizations intend to engage in safety and regulatory dialogues with public authorities to help establish the necessary standards for the implementation of Advanced Air Mobility.
Ms. Victoria Xiang, EHang Chief Operating Officer for Europe and Latin America, said, “It is a great honor to join forces with RACE. With a heritage spanning over a century, RACE is a founding member of the FIA and stands as a global benchmark for safety and mobility services. RACE brings outstanding expertise in safety, high-performance operations, infrastructure management, and public engagement. By combining that capability with EHang’s proven pilotless eVTOL technology and operational know-how, we can accelerate the safe and efficient integration of pilotless eVTOL aircraft in real-world environments.”
The agreement coincides with a significant year for the Spanish capital’s transport and sporting calendar. Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of RACE and the FIA Senate, noted that the collaboration “is a decisive boost for the agenda of major milestones in motorsport and on the future of mobility planned for this year in Madrid which, for the first time in history, it will host the two most outstanding World Championships on the international calendar: Formula E and Formula 1.”
The EH216-S aircraft utilized in these initiatives is the first certified people-carrying pilotless eVTOL in the world. It utilizes electric propulsion and an intelligent flight control system supported by an integrated command and control architecture.
Mr. Jorge Delgado, CEO of RACE and President of FIA Region 1, commented, “Today’s agreement with EHang reflects our interest in enabling new solutions such as eVTOL systems that complement ground mobility, reinforce safety, and contribute to a more connected and sustainable transport ecosystem.
The Community of Madrid has signaled its support for the initiative as part of a broader strategy to establish the region as a global hub for transport innovation.
Mr. Luis Miguel Torres, General Director of Transport and Mobility of the Community of Madrid, added, “Madrid is positioning itself at the forefront of future mobility and motorsport innovation. Advanced Air Mobility represents a promising opportunity to complement existing modes of transport and strengthen our role as a global mobility hub. Public-private cooperation with organizations such as RACE and EHang contributes directly to the strategic objectives of the Community of Madrid and to the competitiveness of its innovation ecosystem.”
