EHang has launched a global "Fast Track Programme" to advance commercial deployment of its autonomous aircraft platforms, with Sri Lanka as the first adopter.
Unveiled on August 19, the four-phase roadmap — covering regulatory alignment, sandbox development, verification test flights, and commercial launch — aims to shorten the certification-to-operations cycle from years to months.
EHang said Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAASL) and Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation have adopted the plan, setting a provisional four-month target for commercial operations under a sandbox model, pending regulatory, technical, operational, and safety assessments.
Initial flights are planned at Colombo Port City, with sightseeing routes over Sigiriya (Lion Rock) and Pidurangala rock fortresses, alongside commuter shuttles between Katunayake Airport and central Colombo hotels.
Uncrewed cargo logistics applications for maritime routes are also being explored.
Press release quotes
EHang quoted Captain Daminda Rambukwella, director general and chief executive of CAASL, as saying the authority intends to establish Sri Lanka’s first eVTOL sandbox and pursue commercial trial operations within the proposed four‑month window, pending approvals.
He noted that the project is part of Sri Lanka’s broader effort to develop advanced air mobility capabilities.
Anura Karunathilaka, Sri Lanka’s minister for ports, civil aviation and energy, said the government would coordinate across departments to support the regulatory environment for eVTOL operations.
EHang founder and chief executive Hu Huazhi said the plan is designed to help overseas regulators validate operations using already-certified aircraft rather than developing frameworks from scratch.
The company also said it is in discussions with civil aviation authorities in several other markets regarding potential participation.
