EHang Holdings, a leading advanced air mobility technology platform company, has launched a global fast track program, a structured and accelerated pathway for the assessment and introduction of pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOL, operations in international markets.

Built upon EHang's complete certifications for pilotless passenger eVTOL aircraft, its commercial operating experience in China, and proven safe flight records across 23 countries and regions, the program is expected to enable international civil aviation authorities and partners to streamline certification and commercial roll-out for pilotless eVTOL operations, according to the company.

The program is divided into a replicable, four-phase roadmap, including framework alignment, establishment of site, infrastructure and ground operational system, validation flights and commercial launch, aiming to enable authorities to move from validation to commercialization more efficiently based on an already-certified aircraft.

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The program will serve as a breakthrough for unlocking international eVTOL markets, said Hu Huazhi, founder, chairman and CEO of EHang.

"By enabling civil aviation authorities to validate an already-certified aircraft rather than start from scratch, the program is expected to turn regulatory exploration into actionable progress more effectively," said Hu.

Sri Lanka has become the inaugural market under the initiative, with ports and civil aviation authorities in Sri Lanka adopting the program, targeting sandbox commercialization within four months, subject to the successful completion of mandatory regulatory, technical, operational and safety assessments.

In EHang's global fast track program, the sandbox model is a testing mechanism designed for the commercialization and implementation of autonomous eVTOL aircraft.

EHang has held in-depth multiround discussions recently with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, alongside cross-government stakeholders from defense, tourism, investment and aviation services.

The company, based in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, will conduct continued technical work with CAASL inspectors and technical teams, and will jointly plan sandbox flight sites and practical operation scenarios.

Initial operations will focus on a designated sandbox zone centered on Port City Colombo, where eVTOL operational services will be established.

Potential routes under consideration include flights in local scenic sites and shuttle services connecting Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake to hotels in central Colombo, catering to tourist mobility needs within Port City Colombo and the greater Colombo area.

In addition to passenger services, unmanned maritime cargo logistics applications are also being explored. EHang will act as the provider of eVTOL aircraft, operation systems, technical services and personnel training, advancing the safe and structured roll-out of eVTOL demonstration and trial operations in Sri Lanka in alignment with international aviation safety standards.

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After the program's implementation in Sri Lanka, the company has been in active dialogue with civil aviation authorities in several other markets, according to Hu.

"We welcome regulators and partners worldwide who share this vision to join us in making pilotless eVTOL operations a reality," he said.

The company's flagship model, EH216-S, has obtained the world's first type certificate, production certificate and standard airworthiness certificate for pilotless eVTOL issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

The EH216-S is also now commercially operated under the country's first Air Operator Certificates for human-carrying eVTOL services.

Contact the writers at qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn