Sri Lanka’s first passenger transport drone has arrived in the country, with its maiden flight scheduled to take place at Colombo Port City by the end of this month, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) said.
The pilotless aircraft, capable of carrying two passengers, has an estimated flight time of around 30 minutes.
Sri Lanka is the first country to adopt the Global Fast Track Programme launched by Chinese technology company EHang to accelerate the introduction of pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in international markets.
Colombo Port City has been designated as the project’s initial operational zone, with passenger services to commence, subject to regulatory and safety approvals.
Among the routes being considered are scenic flights over Sigiriya and Pidurangala, as well as transfers between Bandaranaike International Airport, in Katunayake, and hotels in Colombo.
The project is also expected to explore other potential applications for the aircraft, including tourism and maritime logistics.
Authorities said the initiative would mark an important step in exploring advanced, sustainable forms of air transport in Sri Lanka.