The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka has adopted a fast-track programme with EHang Intelligent to establish the country's first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) regulatory sandbox, targeting initial trial operations within four months.
Sri Lanka is advancing preparations to test electric flying taxi technology, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) implementing an expedited programme designed to create the nation's first regulatory sandbox for eVTOL aircraft. The initiative follows acceptance of proposals from EHang Intelligent under the company's Global Fast-Track Programme, which aims to achieve preliminary commercialisation within a four-month window.
eVTOL aircraft are electrically powered vehicles capable of vertical take-off and landing without conventional runways, representing an emerging form of advanced air mobility being developed for passenger transport worldwide. The CAASL clarified that the four-month timeline does not constitute approval for a nationwide commercial flying taxi service. Rather, the sandbox will establish a controlled testing environment enabling regulators to assess safety, technical and operational requirements as eVTOL operations are introduced.
The programme emerged from discussions between EHang representatives and Sri Lanka's Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, followed by technical coordination with CAASL officials. An EHang delegation met with CAASL Director General and CEO Captain Daminda Rambukwella to discuss implementation specifics, including regulatory frameworks, aircraft specifications, infrastructure needs, airspace management, maintenance protocols, personnel requirements and operational guidelines.
The authority indicated that achieving the four-month target remains conditional on successful completion of regulatory, technical, operational and safety assessments and approvals. Additional technical discussions between EHang and CAASL teams are anticipated as Sri Lanka explores the potential integration of advanced air mobility technology into its aviation sector.
