EHang Lights Up China's Spring Festival Gala with 16 EH216-S and 22,580 GD4.0 Drones in Aerial Tech Spectacle

Rhea-AI Summary

EHang (Nasdaq: EH) staged a dual aerial performance at the Hefei sub-venue of the 2026 China Media Group Spring Festival Gala featuring 16 EH216-S pilotless eVTOLs and a Guinness World Record 22,580 GD4.0 drone light show.

The EH216-S flight marked the largest simultaneous public flight of pilotless human-carrying eVTOLs and the company noted CAAC type, production and airworthiness certificates plus ongoing trial operations at Luogang Park.

Positive

• Guinness World Record for 22,580 drones airborne simultaneously
• EH216-S holds CAAC type, production and standard airworthiness certificates
• Largest simultaneous public flight of 16 pilotless eVTOL aircraft
• Ongoing trial operations since March 2025 under first local Air Operator Certificate

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – EH

+3.71%

3 alerts

+3.71% News Effect

+$31M Valuation Impact

$870M Market Cap

0.1x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, EH gained 3.71%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 3 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $31M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $870M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

EH216-S aircraft in show: 16 aircraft GD4.0 drones in record: 22,580 drones Pre-Gala test performances: over 20,000 drones +3 more

6 metrics

EH216-S aircraft in show 16 aircraft Pilotless human-carrying eVTOLs in Spring Festival Gala formation flight

GD4.0 drones in record 22,580 drones GHOSTDRONE 4.0 UAVs in Guinness World Record formation

Pre-Gala test performances over 20,000 drones Multiple rehearsals in Hefei Luogang Park with large formations

UAM centers at park two centers Urban Air Mobility centers capable of eVTOL flight services at Luogang Park

Start of trial operations March 2025 Regular EH216-S trial operations at Luogang Park after Air Operator Certificate

EHang Egret founding July 2016 Founding date of aerial media-focused subsidiary EHang Egret

Market Reality Check

Price: $12.72 Vol: Volume 293,881 is at 0.46...

low vol

$12.72 Last Close

Volume Volume 293,881 is at 0.46x the 20-day average of 637,342, indicating subdued trading interest ahead of this branding-focused news. low

Technical Shares at $11.58 are trading below the 200-day MA of $16.28 and sit 61.09% under the 52-week high of $29.76.

Peers on Argus

EH was up 1.05% while several close peers like EVEX (-1.95%), RDW (-1.35%), LUNR...

EH was up 1.05% while several close peers like EVEX (-1.95%), RDW (-1.35%), LUNR (-0.98%) and RCAT (-0.83%) declined, suggesting a company-specific reaction to the Spring Festival Gala exposure rather than a sector-wide move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 16 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 16	Leadership change	Positive	-1.7%	CTO appointment formalizing technology leadership to support commercialization.
Nov 26	Quarterly earnings	Positive	+1.5%	Q3 2025 results with guidance maintained and strong gross margin reported.
Nov 25	Intl trial flights	Positive	-5.1%	Landmark pilotless human-carrying flight in Bangkok under Thailand’s AAM Sandbox.
Nov 19	Earnings schedule	Neutral	-1.8%	Announcement of Q3 2025 earnings release date and conference call details.
Nov 17	Intl trial flights	Positive	-1.9%	First urban pilotless eVTOL flights in Doha in partnership with Qatar’s ministry.

Pattern Detected

Positive operational and strategic news has often seen muted or negative next-day moves, indicating a tendency toward price divergence from upbeat headlines.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, EHang has focused on commercialization and international validation of its pilotless eVTOL platform. Key developments included urban human-carrying trial flights in Qatar and Thailand, third-quarter 2025 financial results with ongoing global trials, and the appointment of a long-time executive as CTO on January 14, 2026. Despite largely positive operational updates, several prior news events—especially successful flight demonstrations—were followed by negative price reactions, contrasting with today’s mildly positive move on a high-visibility brand showcase.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights EHang’s large-scale deployment of 16 EH216-S aircraft and a Guinness-re...

Analysis

This announcement highlights EHang’s large-scale deployment of 16 EH216-S aircraft and a Guinness-recognized formation of 22,580 GD4.0 drones at China’s Spring Festival Gala, underscoring technical maturity and brand visibility. In recent months, the company has paired such showcases with global trial operations and leadership upgrades. Investors evaluating this news may focus on how these demonstrations translate into commercial contracts, recurring services at hubs like Luogang Park, and future financial disclosures.

Key Terms

evtol, uav, urban air mobility (uam), type certificate, +3 more

7 terms

evtol technical

"pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft alongside a record-breaking drone light show"

eVTOL stands for "electric vertical takeoff and landing" aircraft, which are small, electric-powered vehicles capable of taking off and landing vertically like a helicopter. They are designed to provide quick, on-demand transportation within cities or between locations, potentially transforming urban mobility. For investors, eVTOLs represent a growing segment of innovative transportation technology with potential for significant market impact and future growth.

uav technical

"GHOSTDRONE 4.0 (“GD4.0”) unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”), the performance delivered"

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that flies without a pilot on board, controlled remotely or by onboard software like a self-driving car. Investors care because UAVs are used across industries—delivery, agriculture, inspection, mapping, and defense—so demand, regulation, or technological advances can quickly affect revenue and costs for companies that make, operate, or rely on them. Think of a UAV as a robotic helper in the sky whose growing use can change market opportunities and risks.

urban air mobility (uam) technical

"It currently hosts two Urban Air Mobility (UAM) centers capable of eVTOL flight services."

Urban air mobility (UAM) is the use of small, often electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and delivery drones to move people or goods short distances inside and around cities, like adding a network of flying shuttles and couriers over streets. It matters to investors because it represents a potential new transport market—requiring new vehicles, charging and landing infrastructure, air traffic systems and regulations—so success depends on technology, safety, costs and public acceptance.

type certificate regulatory

"first pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft to obtain Type Certificate (TC), Production"

A type certificate is an official approval from an aviation regulator that a specific aircraft, engine, or major component design meets required safety and performance standards; it effectively validates the design blueprint and allows that model to be produced and sold. For investors, a type certificate is like a certified blueprint or driver’s license for a product — it determines whether a manufacturer can legally generate revenue from that model, affects resale and support markets, and shapes regulatory risk and potential costs for modifications or repairs.

production certificate regulatory

"to obtain Type Certificate (TC), Production Certificate (PC), and Standard"

A production certificate is an official regulatory approval that lets a company legally manufacture and sell a specific product at scale, confirming the production process meets required safety and quality standards. For investors, it matters because it clears a major hurdle between development and revenue: think of it as a building permit that allows a company to move from prototypes to mass production, reducing regulatory risk and enabling predictable sales.

standard airworthiness certificate regulatory

"Production Certificate (PC), and Standard Airworthiness Certificate (AC) from the"

A standard airworthiness certificate is an official approval from an aviation authority that a specific aircraft meets required safety and maintenance standards for regular commercial and private flight. Think of it like a car’s registration and safety inspection combined: without it the plane can’t legally fly, which directly affects an aircraft’s revenue potential, resale value, insurance costs and a company’s ability to operate scheduled flights.

air operator certificates regulatory

"now commercially operated under the country’s first Air Operator Certificates for"

An air operator certificate (AOC) is an official license issued by aviation authorities that allows a company to carry passengers or cargo on commercial flights. Think of it as a driver's license for an airline: it proves the company has the required aircraft, trained crew, maintenance, and safety systems. Investors care because losing or not having an AOC prevents revenue-generating operations, increases regulatory risk, and can sharply reduce an airline's value and growth prospects.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) (“EHang” or the “Company”), a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, announced a dual-feature aerial performance at the Hefei sub-venue of the 2026 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala. The performance featured a formation of 16 EH216-S pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft alongside a record-breaking drone light show involving 22,580 next-generation GHOSTDRONE 4.0 (“GD4.0”) unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”), the performance delivered a futuristic visual spectacle supported by industry-leading flight safety and fleet orchestration technologies, offering sincere Lunar New Year wishes to a global audience.

Image: 16 EH216-S aircraft from EHang illuminate the CMG Spring Festival Gala stage
Source: Live screen capture from the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala

Image: 22,580 GD4.0 drones from EHang Egret at the CMG Spring Festival Gala.
Source: Live screen capture from the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala

Among the highlights, the 22,580 GD4.0 formation drones at the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala set a new world record, earning the Guinness World Records™ title for "the most multirotor/drones airborne simultaneously from a single computer."

During the segment of“He Yun Man Jiang Huai”at the Hefei branch venue of the Spring Festival Gala, 16 EH216-Saircraft took off simultaneously and formed a perfect circular formation above the "Eye of Anhui", the main stage in Hefei Luogang Park. Equipped with customized stage lighting modules, the aircraft illuminated the stage through safe, stable, and precisely coordinated flight，seamlessly blending the technological allure of pilotless "air taxis" with the festive atmosphere of family reunion.

The synchronized flight of 16 aircraft at the Spring Festival Gala showcases EHang's industry leadership and professionalism in cutting-edge technological innovation sectors, including cluster Command-and-Control System, precise algorithmic control, multi-scenario adaptive flight, and professional service support.

As the world's first pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft to obtain Type Certificate (TC), Production Certificate (PC), and Standard Airworthiness Certificate (AC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and currently conducting trial operations at Luogang Park, the coordinated flight of 16 EH216-S aircraft also marked the largest simultaneous public flight of pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft to date. It offered a direct showcase of China's technological prowess in new-era civil aviation and vividly illustrated the exciting potential of the low-altitude economy within the celebratory New Year setting.

Image: 16 EH216-S completed formation flight at the Hefei Venue of the CMG Spring Festival Gala

In another segment at the Hefei branch venue of the Spring Festival Gala, a drone light show of 22,580 GD4.0 formation drones from EHang's subsidiary, EHang Egret, took to the skies above the main stage. Forming intricate 3D animations of the sky city and the iconic horse-head walls of Hui-style architecture. Through synchronized light choreography integrated with the stage design, the drones created an immersive "aerial theater" fusing technology and culture. This performance amplified the joyous, auspicious, and harmonious spirit of the festival, immersing global viewers in a powerful visual experience. Prior to the official Guinness World Record™ attempt and the Gala, EHang Egret had successfully conducted multiple performances in Hefei Luogang Park involving over 20,000 drones simultaneously, fully demonstrating the GD4.0's robust performance in complex environments, dynamic performance capabilities, and technological strengths in high-precision positioning and intelligent coordination.

Image: 22,580 GD4.0 drones from EHang Egret form and the iconic horse-head walls of Hui-style architecture pattern at the CMG Spring Festival Gala.
Source: Live screen capture from the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala

The performance venue, Hefei Luogang Park, is a multifunctional, multi-dimensional space that has become one of China's most representative testing grounds and demonstration sites for low-altitude economy development. It currently hosts two Urban Air Mobility (UAM) centers capable of eVTOL flight services. Since March 2025, following the grant of one of China's first Air Operator Certificates (OC) for pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft by the CAAC to EHang's local operator, Hefei HeYi Aviation, regular trial operations of the EH216-S have been conducted there. With its comprehensive infrastructure, Luogang Park is also well suited for EHang Egret to conduct routine drone light shows, gradually fostering a citywide ecosystem integrating low-altitude technology and culture.

Image: 22,580 GD4.0 drones from EHang Egret set a new world record

Mr. Wang Zhao, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, stated, "The appearance of 16 EH216-S and 22,580 GD4.0 drones in multi-aircraft formations at the CMG Spring Festival Gala showcases not only EHang's formidable technological strength and creative commercial capabilities but also comprehensively demonstrates the adaptability and maturity of our superior command-and-control technology across diverse scenarios. This lays a solid technical foundation for the large-scale commercial operation of pilotless aircraft in low-altitude economy applications. The Guinness World Record™ achieved by EHang Egret and the Gala performance further elevate and solidify the EHang brand's influence, providing a significant platform for public awareness and understanding of the low-altitude economy. Driven by our long-term commitment to continuous innovation and technological iteration, EHang's pilotless aircraft are designed not only for major events displays but for practical applications in passenger transportation, logistics, firefighting and emergency response, smart city management, and aerial media services. Through core technology R&D and the implementation of commercial services, we aim to bring scalable Chinese low-altitude solutions to global markets and enable these new technologies to serve a broader consumer base."

Watch the video of the new world record of 22,580 GD4.0 drones by EHang Egret: https://youtu.be/9B4ETNspxMc

Watch the video of 16 EH216-S and 22,580 GD4.0 Drones at the CMG Spring Festival Gala: https://youtu.be/9es9jzMR_6s

About EHang

EHang (Nasdaq: EH) is the world’s leading advanced air mobility (“AAM”) technology platform company, committed to making safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility accessible to everyone. The company develops and manufactures a diversified portfolio of pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft for a wide range of use cases, including aerial tourism, intra-city transport, intercity travel, logistics and emergency firefighting. Its flagship model, EH216-S, has obtained the world’s first type certificate, production certificate and standard airworthiness certificate for pilotless eVTOL issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and is now commercially operated under the country’s first Air Operator Certificates for human-carrying eVTOL services. Complementing this, EHang’s VT35 expands its reach into long-range and intercity scenarios, supporting the development of a multi-tiered low-altitude mobility network. By integrating advanced autonomous technologies with scalable operational infrastructure, EHang is redefining how people and goods move—across cities, regions, and natural barriers—shaping the future of air mobility. For more information, please visit www.ehang.com.

About EHang Egret

Founded in July 2016, EHang Egret is a subsidiary of EHang that focuses on aerial media drone technology. Using centimeter-level positioning technology, EHang Egret turns the night sky into a beautiful canvas—bringing technology and art together. EHang Egret is building the world’s leading global aerial media platform for sky-scaping, delivering stunning drone light shows for brand events, large celebrations, and sky theaters. EHang Egret continues to light up famous landmarks and tourist destinations around the world with unforgettable nighttime displays.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to those relating to certifications, our expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, our products and solutions and the commercialization of UAM services, our relationships with strategic partners, and current litigation and potential litigation involving us. Management has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While they believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond management’s control. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause EHang’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Media Contact: pr@ehang.com

Investor Contact: ir@ehang.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/232079e5-cc5d-42c4-890d-08f51484d57a
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3e234ace-eaf7-492f-8352-bd7fe348cd72
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9f76c3a-92e3-4394-9d48-f63e43caae8f
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30520663-7d99-4716-bce3-3a97c0c5e932
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65341a8e-b7bb-43aa-8bc4-e1bf3be8a6cd
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b701dc3e-149f-4d8b-a653-97db7dc417f5
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6bb969a4-9fd0-49a7-a6d2-cb474047b265

FAQ

What world record did EHang (EH) set with 22,580 GD4.0 drones on Feb 16, 2026?

EHang set a Guinness World Record for the most multirotor/drones airborne simultaneously from a single computer. According to the company, 22,580 GD4.0 drones flew in coordinated formation during the CMG Spring Festival Gala, demonstrating high-precision positioning and fleet orchestration.

Did EHang (EH) fly pilotless EH216-S eVTOLs at the 2026 Spring Festival Gala and how many?

Yes — 16 EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft took off and formed a circular formation above the Hefei main stage. According to the company, the synchronized flight showcased cluster command-and-control, precise algorithms, and customized stage lighting modules.

What certifications does the EH216-S hold and how does that affect EHang (EH) operations?

The EH216-S has CAAC Type Certificate, Production Certificate, and Standard Airworthiness Certificate. According to the company, these certifications support trial commercial operations and underpin staged public flights and low-altitude service trials at Luogang Park.

When did EHang (EH) begin trial operations of EH216-S at Luogang Park and under what authorization?

Trial operations began in March 2025 following a local Air Operator Certificate grant. According to the company, Hefei HeYi Aviation conducts regular trial flights at Luogang Park, a demonstration site for low-altitude economy services.

What technologies did EHang (EH) highlight during the dual aerial performance on Feb 16, 2026?

EHang highlighted cluster command-and-control, precise algorithmic control, and multi-scenario adaptive flight capabilities. According to the company, these systems enabled safe, coordinated EH216-S eVTOL formations and the large-scale GD4.0 drone choreography at the Gala.

How does EHang (EH) position the Gala display for its commercial strategy and markets?

EHang presented the Gala display as evidence of commercial readiness for low-altitude services like passenger transport, logistics, and emergency response. According to the company, the event raises public awareness and supports plans to scale Chinese low-altitude solutions to global markets.