First-ever manned drone demo in Maldives attracts delighted crowd

The first-ever manned drone and electric aircraft in the Maldives took place in Hulhumale’ on Friday, attracting delighted crowds of curious onlookers.

The eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft demonstration, held by the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade in collaboration with China’s CoolFly, took place on Friday evening at the channel area in Hulhumale’ Phase I.

The event, which marked the first-ever demonstration of a manned drone in the Maldives, attracted huge crowds of excited onlookers.

A second demonstration took place at the same are on Saturday morning.

Meehun ufulaa drone ehge udhuhunthah furathama faharah Hulhumale gai dhakkaalaifi Read the full article: https://t.co/TNKfjPJ9xU Follow us: Viber: https://t.co/5DJFr2vDa0 Telegram: https://t.co/QRTHLdfrR7 #sunonline #seemv #news #sunonlineheadlines #latestnews #dhivehinews #maldivesnews

— sun.mv (@sunbrk) November 7, 2026

An eVTOL aircraft is a category of VTOL aircraft that uses electric power. It can hover, take off, and land vertically using electric propulsion, encompassing motors, batteries, electronic controllers, and propellers.

These aircrafts achieve zero direct local emissions and produce roughly 85 percent fewer CO2 emissions per passenger mile than conventional helicopters, though true green-energy performance depends heavily on battery technology and the carbon intensity of the local electrical grid.

CoolFly is a Chinese tech startup founded in 2022 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, known for designing and manufacturing personal eVTOL aircraft and electric scooters.

The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade describes eVTOL as the future of aviation.

“You’re all invited to witness the future of aviation take flight!” declared the ministry, inviting the public for the demonstration.