Lanka allows EHang to test autonomous passenger aircraft

Sri Lanka has granted permission to Chinese manufacturer EHang to test its fully autonomous passenger aircraft as part of plans to explore a possible drone-taxi service from Colombo, aviation authorities said.

The Civil Aviation Authority said EHang had been authorised to test its two-seater, pilotless EH216-S electric aircraft, which is capable of vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL).

EHang demonstrated the aircraft with a three-minute flight at Colombo Port City, carrying Ports and Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka and Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku as its first passengers.

Karunathilaka described the initiative as a landmark in the development of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and domestic aviation.

Kodithuwakku said Sri Lanka was joining the global race to introduce passenger-drone services.

He said the aircraft had been tested for passenger transport in about two dozen countries, but was currently licensed for commercial operations only in China.

The deputy minister said the EH216-S would undergo testing for about five months before a decision was taken on whether to permit commercial passenger services.

Aviation authorities are also exploring the aircraft’s potential for logistics operations.

The EH216-S is powered by 16 electric motors and 16 propellers and has 12 battery packs. It has a maximum take-off weight of 620 kilogrammes, a flight endurance of up to 25 minutes and a range of up to 30 kilometres.

The aircraft is designed to be operated remotely from a central control centre and is equipped with automated safety systems that activate in emergencies or when communication signals are lost, according to EHang.

The test flight was attended by representatives of EHang Holdings Ltd. and the Chinese Embassy, as well as officials of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL).