Sri Lanka has begun discussions on the possible introduction of a passenger drone service, with Chinese autonomous aerial vehicle company EHang presenting its technology to government officials.
A special meeting was held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation with Minister Anura Karunathilaka and a delegation from EHang, including Chief Financial Officer Conor Yang and General Manager of Operations Xiao Na Lee.
The minister said the proposed service could be used to support tourism, emergency and disaster response operations, and maritime-related requirements.
Officials stressed that commercial passenger drone operations would require formal approvals covering aviation safety, regulations, air traffic management, emergency procedures, cybersecurity, data protection and designated landing sites.
The project would also require coordination with several state institutions, including the Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka Air Force, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, Board of Investment, Colombo Port City Commission, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Airport and Aviation Services.
EHang representatives briefed officials on its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. According to the presentation, a two-passenger aircraft is equipped with 16 propellers, 12 battery packs and three flight-control systems and can be operated autonomously from a central control facility using AI technology.
Possible tourism applications discussed included flights around Sigiriya and Pidurangala as well as services within Colombo and Port City. Establishing a demonstration zone within Port City was also proposed.
EHang representatives said a passenger travelling from Bandaranaike International Airport to a hotel in Colombo could potentially be charged around US$20 to US$30 per trip under such a service.
The proposal remains at the discussion and planning stage, with regulatory approvals required before any commercial operations can begin. (Newswire)
