Bharat’s urban air mobility (UAM) sector is witnessing a surge of innovation, with several startups developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to address urban congestion and promote sustainable transportation.
Here’s an overview of key players and their progress:
• Sarla Aviation: Based in Bengaluru, Sarla Aviation is developing a seven-seater eVTOL named Shunya, designed for short urban commutes. The company has secured $10 million in funding and plans to commence commercial operations by 2028, starting with routes in Bengaluru and expanding to other major cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
• The ePlane Company: Founded in 2019 in Chennai, this startup is working on the e200, a two-seater eVTOL for urban transportation. With a range of up to 200 km and speeds between 150 and 200 km/h, the company plans to begin manned air taxi testing by mid-2025.
• Archer Aviation: A U.S.-based company, Archer has partnered with InterGlobe Enterprises to introduce its four-passenger eVTOL, Midnight, in India. Trials are expected to begin next year, with commercial launches in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru by 2026.
• JetSetGo: This private airline has entered the UAM market through partnerships with Japan’s SkyDrive and Eve Air Mobility. They aim to deploy three-seat, fully electric multicopters in Indian cities, with potential launches as early as 2028.
• Hunch Mobility: A joint venture between Hunch Ventures and BLADE Urban Air Mobility Inc., Hunch Mobility is focused on building the necessary infrastructure for UAM in India, including electric charging stations and eVTOL assembly facilities.
Beyond Daily Commutes: Expanding Use Cases for eVTOLs
While eVTOLs are poised to revolutionize daily urban transportation, their applications extend to several critical areas:
• Medical Emergencies: eVTOLs can serve as rapid air ambulances, providing swift transportation for patients and medical supplies, especially in congested urban areas or remote regions.
• Disaster Response: In events like floods or earthquakes, eVTOLs can be deployed for quick evacuation, delivery of relief materials, and assessment of affected areas, thanks to their vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
• Tourism: Offering aerial tours of scenic locations, eVTOLs can enhance the tourism experience by providing unique perspectives of landscapes, historical sites, and urban skylines.
As these startups progress, India’s UAM ecosystem is set to transform not just how people commute, but also how the country responds to emergencies and promotes tourism, all while adhering to sustainable practices.
