The first demonstration of a manned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Maldives has been showcased by China's CoolFly in Hulhumale'.

CoolFly's manned electric aircraft was unveiled at the Hulhumale' Phase 1 Channel area on Friday evening.

The demonstration features the company's single-seat Dream ST model.

The event is scheduled to continue on Saturday morning and evening, with the morning session beginning at 8:45am, according to the ministry.

An eVTOL is an electric aircraft designed to take off and land vertically, similar to a helicopter, without requiring a conventional runway.

The technology is designed to produce less noise and fewer emissions than conventional aircraft and is a huge step forward in aviation by China.

The demonstration marks a step towards introducing new forms of air transport in the Maldives. Such aircraft could offer potential applications in emergency response and rapid transport, particularly in a country made up of widely dispersed islands.