Sri Lanka has received its first passenger transport drone, with the maiden flight expected at Colombo Port City by the end of October, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), as reported by Aviation Voice.

The aircraft is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle that can carry two passengers, the report said. Its estimated flight time is about 30 minutes.

Colombo Port City has been identified as the initial operating zone, according to the report. Potential uses include scenic flights over Sigiriya and Pidurangala, popular tourist sites in central Sri Lanka, and transfers between Bandaranaike International Airport and hotels in Colombo.

The initiative could also explore opportunities in tourism and maritime logistics, subject to the necessary regulatory and safety approvals, the report said.