CAASL to introduce ‘Passenger Drones’ to Sri Lanka

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) hosted a high-level technical discussion with representatives of EHang Intelligent and key aviation stakeholders to further deliberate on the proposed introduction of electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) operations in Sri Lanka.

The discussion, held at the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, focused on exploring the regulatory and operational pathways required to safely integrate this emerging technology into the country's aviation ecosystem.

The meeting marked the second phase of discussions following the recent engagement between representatives of EHang Intelligent and the Hon. Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, It reflects the Government's continued commitment to exploring innovative aviation technologies through a coordinated, collaborative, and safety-focused approach.

During the meeting, EHang presented its advanced technological capabilities and global achievements, including becoming the world's first eVTOL manufacturer to obtain a Type Certificate from its State of Design, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC). The company also outlined its proposal to establish an eVTOL Regulatory Sandbox in Sri Lanka to facilitate research, development, demonstration, and trial operations, providing a structured pathway towards the potential introduction of commercial eVTOL services in the future.

The technical discussions focused on the regulatory and operational considerations essential for the safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into Sri Lanka's aviation ecosystem. Key areas of deliberation included the development of an appropriate regulatory framework, certification and licensing requirements, operational concepts, airspace integration, infrastructure readiness, safety oversight, security considerations, and stakeholder collaboration necessary to support the introduction of this emerging mode of air transportation.

The discussion was chaired by the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Capt. Daminda Rambukwella. Representatives from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI), Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), and EHang Intelligent participated in the meeting. The broad participation reflected a whole-of-government approach to evaluating the opportunities, challenges, and regulatory considerations associated with Advanced Air Mobility in Sri Lanka.

The Authority further reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with relevant national stakeholders and industry partners to explore the safe and sustainable integration of Advanced Air Mobility into Sri Lanka's aviation sector, in alignment with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and international best practices.