Flying Taxi Developer Plans Service in India

An air taxi developer in India is partnering to create India’s first eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) equipped airport.

Sarla Aviation has teamed with Bangalore International Airport to establish facilities for air taxi services at Bengaluru International Airport, one of the largest airports in India.

Sarla Aviation is developing an electric aerial vehicle (EAV) to carry a pilot, six passengers and luggage. 

"I am proud to partner with Kempegowda International Airport, marking a significant step in addressing Bengaluru’s congestion challenges,” said Adrian Schmidt, CEO and co-founder. “Currently, a journey from Indiranagar to the airport can take 1.5 hours. 

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“Very soon, we will reduce that to just five minutes with Sarla’s fully electric flying taxis. I am truly inspired by the leadership at Bengaluru Airport, whose vision challenges young companies like ours to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible."

Planned launch cities for the Sarla Aviation EAVs are Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi.

The Sarla EAV has seven electric motors, two of which pivot for takeoff and landing, and four battery packs.

While the flying vehicle has a range of 100 miles, trips planned would be 12 to 24 miles, according to the company.

Related:Flying Taxi Infrastructure Targeted for Saudi Arabia, Mideast

The EAV would require 15 minutes of charging time between flights.

The vehicle has a larger passenger capacity than most air taxis in development, which typically are designed to carry up to four passengers and a pilot.

The Sarla Aviation EAVs would be mass produced in India, according to the company.

Airports around the world are getting ready for air taxi services.

For example, Vertiport operator UrbanV and construction and technology infrastructure company Icad Holdings are developing the infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the Mideast to support advanced air mobility (AAM).

UrbanV also is working with EAV jet maker Lilium and airport management company Aeroports de la Cote d’Azur to bring Lilium electric jet flight to the South of France starting in 2026. 

For flying vehicles such as air taxis, vertiports are needed for takeoff and landings, passenger loading and unloading and charging and maintenance.

Numerous companies in Europe and the Middle East are involved in vertiport development along with companies in the U.S., such as Aeroauto Global in Florida.