Discussions begin to launch a passenger drone service in Sri Lanka

A special technical discussion was held between the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and 'EHang Intelligent' company, focusing on the commencement of operations of electric-powered, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger drones in Sri Lanka. During this high-level meeting, held with the participation of numerous key stakeholders, there was an extensive exchange of ideas regarding the future steps of this technology, which is set to join the country's air transport sector.

This second meeting, organized after a discussion with Engineer Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, is another successful step in the government's program to introduce modern air transport technologies safely and systematically to the country. During this meeting, EHang Intelligent company showcased its modern technological capabilities and also detailed its international achievement as the world's first eVTOL manufacturer to obtain a 'Type Certificate' from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

With the aim of successfully establishing commercial eVTOL services in Sri Lanka in the future, the company also proposed establishing an eVTOL 'Regulatory Sandbox' framework in the country. This is expected to provide the necessary facilities for research, technological development, demonstrations, and test operations, thereby creating a systematic and formal pathway for the commencement of future commercial activities.