Sri Lanka has become the first market to join EHang's Global Fast Track Programme, a structured pathway intended to accelerate the introduction of pilotless eVTOL operations in international markets. The country's Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) have adopted the initiative, targeting initial sandbox commercialisation within four months, subject to regulatory, technical, operational and safety assessments.

The programme follows a four-phase roadmap: framework alignment, sandbox build-out, validation flights and commercial launch, built around an aircraft EHang has already certified for pilotless passenger operations in China. Initial operations will focus on a sandbox zone centred on Port City in Colombo. Potential routes under consideration include scenic flights over the Sigiriya and Pidurangala rock formations, along with a shuttle service linking Katunayake Airport to hotels in central Colombo. Unmanned maritime cargo logistics applications are also being explored.

Sri Lankan minister Anura Karunathilaka says: “Sri Lanka is actively embracing emerging aviation technologies to transform our tourism industry, strengthen emergency response capabilities and meet maritime logistics and coastal service needs.”

Daminda Rambukwella, director general and CEO of CAASL, adds: “CAASL has adopted the proposals presented by EHang under its Global Fast Track Programme, aimed at establishing the first eVTOL sandbox in Sri Lanka, with a target of achieving initial sandbox commercialisation within four months.”

EHang says it is in discussions with civil aviation authorities in several other markets as it looks to extend the Fast Track model beyond Sri Lanka.