Hangzhou-based CoolFly has conducted the first demonstration flights of a manned electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft in the Maldives.
The single-seat Dream ST was flown in the channel area of Hulhumalé Phase I over the weekend. The events were held with the Chinese embassy and the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade. The ministry described eVTOL technology as a potential future mode of aviation that could move medical samples, medicines, vaccines and emergency supplies between islands, support environmental and infrastructure monitoring, and, with modifications, carry patients.
Crowds gathered to watch the flights. The demonstrations were intended to allow local authorities and businesses to assess the technology and the regulatory, safety and infrastructure requirements for any later introduction.
No commercial operations or regulatory approvals have been announced. The ministry has not set a timeline for further trials.
