Lanka explores introduction of passenger drones into transport system

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has begun exploring the regulatory and operational requirements for introducing electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly referred to as passenger drones, into the country’s aviation system.

The CAASL held a high-level technical discussion with representatives of EHang Intelligent and key aviation stakeholders to examine the potential integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies in Sri Lanka.

The meeting, held at the CAASL, followed an earlier discussion between EHang representatives and Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, as the government evaluates emerging aviation technologies through a safety-focused approach.

During the discussions, EHang presented its eVTOL technology and global developments, including obtaining a Type Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC), becoming the first eVTOL manufacturer to receive such certification from its State of Design.

The company also proposed establishing an eVTOL Regulatory Sandbox in Sri Lanka to support research, development, demonstrations and trial operations before possible commercial deployment.

Discussions focused on developing a regulatory framework, certification and licensing requirements, airspace integration, infrastructure readiness, safety oversight and security considerations.

The meeting was chaired by CAASL Director General and Chief Executive Officer Capt. Daminda Rambukwella. Officials from the Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Board of Investment, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Ltd and EHang Intelligent participated.

The CAASL said it remains committed to assessing new aviation technologies in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices while ensuring safety, security and regulatory compliance.