COLOMBO: Sri Lanka plans to conduct its first passenger-carrying drone flight by early November as part of a pilot programme aimed at introducing electric air transport, local outlet Daily Mirror reported Monday (Oct 19), citing a senior aviation official.
Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Director General Daminda Rambukwella said the first two-seater aircraft, imported from Thailand under the EHang brand, had arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport.
The inaugural flight is scheduled for Oct. 30 or 31, or the first week of November, departing from Colombo Port City. Its destination will be determined following discussions with the Ministry of Defence on Oct. 23.
Rambukwella said the country had completed regulatory procedures under relevant US certification standards, while local rules governing Advanced Air Mobility systems were being finalised. International experts are also expected to assess the project's implementation.
A second aircraft shipment is due on Nov. 28, with plans to introduce larger four- to six-passenger vehicles next year. The proposed services could operate at 30-minute intervals over distances of about 20 km.
The electric aircraft are expected to fly at altitudes of 400 to 500 feet, supported by real-time monitoring systems. Dedicated facilities, known as vertiports, will be needed for takeoffs, landings, charging and passenger handling.
Authorities are considering applications in urban transport, tourism, emergency medical services and cargo delivery to remote areas. Discussions are also underway on potentially establishing passenger-drone manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka. - Xinhua
