The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) has adopted the proposals presented by EHang Intelligent under its Global Fast-Track Programme, aimed at establishing the first electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) sandbox in Sri Lanka, with a target of achieving initial sandbox commercialisation within four months.

The development follows a series of discussions between EHang Intelligent and the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, followed by technical engagements with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) to assess the proposed approach for introducing eVTOL operations in Sri Lanka.

The EHang delegation, comprising Mr. Conor Yang, Chief Financial Officer; Ms. Xiao Na Lee, General Manager – Operations; Mr. Hu Along, Vice President – Guangzhou; and members of the company’s operations and technical teams, held discussions with the Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer (DGCA & CEO), Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, together with relevant CAASL officials and inspectors.

During the technical evaluation, the CAASL team and EHang representatives held detailed discussions on the proposed Global Fast-Track Programme, including the implementation pathway, regulatory requirements, operational framework, aircraft and technical requirements, infrastructure, airspace considerations, maintenance arrangements, personnel requirements and other matters relevant to the establishment of an eVTOL sandbox.

The proposed programme is designed to provide a structured and accelerated pathway for the assessment and introduction of eVTOL operations, while ensuring that all applicable regulatory, operational and safety requirements are addressed throughout the implementation process.

The adoption of the proposed fast-track approach marks an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to embrace Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and emerging aviation technologies. The four-month target reflects the proposed implementation timeline and remains subject to the successful completion of the required regulatory, technical, operational and safety assessments and approvals.

Further technical engagement will continue between EHang and the relevant CAASL inspectors and technical teams to progress the necessary regulatory and operational requirements for the proposed sandbox.

This initiative represents a significant step towards positioning Sri Lanka as a potential regional destination for Advanced Air Mobility and eVTOL innovation, while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance, operational integrity and the highest applicable standards of aviation safety.