Sri Lanka is moving closer to testing electric “flying taxi” technology, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) adopting a fast-track programme aimed at establishing the country’s first electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) regulatory sandbox.
CAASL said it has adopted proposals presented by EHang Intelligent under the company’s Global Fast-Track Programme, with a target of achieving initial commercialisation within the sandbox in four months.
eVTOL aircraft are electrically powered aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically, without requiring a conventional runway. The technology is being developed globally for passenger transport and other Advanced Air Mobility applications.
However, the four-month target does not mean a nationwide commercial flying taxi service has been approved for Sri Lanka.
Instead, the proposed sandbox will provide a controlled environment to assess and introduce eVTOL operations while regulators evaluate safety, technical and operational requirements.
The programme follows discussions between EHang and the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and subsequent technical engagements with CAASL.
An EHang delegation held discussions with Director General of Civil Aviation and CEO Capt. Daminda Rambukwella and CAASL officials on the implementation of the programme.
The discussions covered regulatory requirements, aircraft specifications, infrastructure, airspace considerations, maintenance arrangements, personnel requirements and the operational framework needed for eVTOL services.
CAASL said the four-month timeline remains subject to the successful completion of the necessary regulatory, technical, operational and safety assessments and approvals.
Further technical discussions between EHang and CAASL teams are expected as Sri Lanka explores the potential introduction of Advanced Air Mobility technology. (Newswire)