Sri Lanka tests EHang pilotless air taxi in Colombo

Sri Lanka has authorised Chinese manufacturer EHang to test a pilotless two-seat electric air taxi, officials announced at a flight demonstration in Colombo.

The Civil Aviation Authority said it had granted EHang a licence to test its EH216-S aircraft, which has vertical take-off and landing capability.

EHang demonstrated the aircraft with a short flight carrying Ports and Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka and deputy minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku as passengers.

Kodithuwakku said testing could continue for about five months before commercial services may be permitted. Promoters hope to launch an air-taxi service between the airport and central Colombo, a trip that takes about half an hour by car.

Sri Lankan officials said the EH216-S is powered by 16 electric motors and 16 propellers, carries 12 battery packs and can operate for about 25 minutes over a distance of up to 30 kilometres.