Picture credits: LinkedIn (Sarla Aviation)
Pune: The Indian government is set to introduce indigenously developed air taxi services in metro cities with trial operations expected by 2026, announced by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu during the National Conference on Challenges in Aerospace for Viksit Bharat 2047 in Pune.
The Aeronautical Society of India had organised a two-day national conference titled Challenges in Aerospace for Viksit Bharat- 2047 and 73rd Annual General Meeting at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium, Pashan.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is already working on regulatory frameworks, including air navigation, operational routes, and safety standards, to facilitate a smooth launch.
Naidu said western countries like the USA were actively working in the aviation sector and that India was also developing with the help of modern technology. “More than 35 percent of aircraft components are now manufactured in India including helicopter equipment. The government is working on increasing domestic production and expanding air transport. Steps are being taken towards developing air taxis, with trials planned by 2026,”
Several companies are driving India’s air taxi ecosystem. Sarla Aviation, which recently unveiled “Shunya,” India’s first six-seater flying taxi, is a key player, focusing on urban air mobility solutions. Chennai-based The ePlane Company is developing an eVTOL aircraft and plans to begin test flights by mid-2025. InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, has partnered with US-based Archer Aviation, placing an order for 200 electric air taxis with deployment targeted for 2026. JetSetGo, an Indian private jet operator, is collaborating with Japan’s SkyDrive to explore commercial eVTOL operations in Gujarat.
The cost of air taxi services is expected to be competitive. A trip from Delhi to Gurgaon, which currently costs around ₹1,500–₹2,000 via Uber, is estimated to be ₹2,000–₹3,000 per passenger via air taxi, making it a viable option for urban commuters seeking to save time.
Meanwhile the Civil Aviation Ministry plans to construct 50 new airports in the next five years, with a long-term goal of over 200 operational airports by 2047.
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