Sarla Aviation to Launch Electric Flying Taxis in India by 2028
Sarla Aviation, an electric flying taxi startup, is poised to launch its revolutionary air taxi services in India by 2028, promising to transform the future of urban mobility. The company, which focuses on electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, plans to start its services in Bengaluru, one of the world’s most congested cities, and expand to Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. These electric flying taxis, designed to ease urban congestion, aim to provide a faster, more efficient mode of transportation.
Adrian Schmidt, the co-founder and CEO of Sarla Aviation, is optimistic about the Indian market. In an interview, he highlighted India as the largest market for flying taxis globally, citing the country’s rapidly expanding urban population and significant transportation challenges. For Schmidt, the key to success in India is pricing, and he believes that flying taxis could eventually be as affordable as an auto-rickshaw ride. This pricing model would make eVTOLs accessible to a wide range of commuters, from business professionals to everyday travellers.
Sarla Aviation’s flying taxis will accommodate up to six passengers and carry a maximum load of 680 kg. These eVTOLs will offer services similar to premium ride-hailing options such as BluSmart, Ola SUV, or UberXL, with initial costs likely to be comparable to that of an UberXL ride. For example, a 50-kilometre journey from Bengaluru’s Electronic City to its international airport, which costs around Rs 2,000 by UberXL, would be priced similarly for an air taxi. Over time, the company plans to reduce ride costs, aiming to make flying taxis an affordable alternative to other transport modes. These air taxis will primarily cater to travellers between airports and commercial hubs, such as IT parks in Bengaluru, where traffic congestion is a daily challenge. By utilising airspace, these taxis promise to bypass ground traffic entirely, offering a much-needed solution for overcrowded cities.
Sarla Aviation is not alone in pursuing this ambitious vision. US-based competitor Archer Aviation also has its eyes set on India as its largest market. Archer’s eVTOL, named “Midnight,” is expected to begin its commercial launch in 2026. The company has already partnered with IndiGo’s parent firm, InterGlobe Enterprises, and plans to offer a seven-minute ride between Connaught Place in Delhi and Gurugram, with ticket prices between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000. Archer is slated to begin its certification process with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) this year, with similar processes in place with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Meanwhile, Sarla Aviation plans to unveil its first flying taxi prototype, “Shunya,” on Friday at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi, marking a major milestone in its journey.
Sarla Aviation’s commitment to electric flying taxis stems from a desire to address India’s significant mobility challenges. Schmidt notes that India is at a pivotal point in its history, with the potential to become a global superpower. However, achieving this vision requires a modern, efficient mobility system that can drive economic productivity across various sectors. Flying taxis, Schmidt believes, will be a game-changer, offering uncongestible, capital-efficient solutions to India’s urban transport issues. One of the major advantages of flying taxis is the relatively low infrastructure requirements compared to traditional modes of transport. Unlike metros or roads, which demand extensive infrastructure investments such as tunnels or rail systems, flying taxis only need a flat landing area. This makes them particularly suitable for high-density cities like Bengaluru, where tall buildings already have helipads for fire safety purposes, providing a natural landing space for eVTOLs.
Sarla Aviation has just raised $10 million in Series A1 funding, led by Accel, with additional participation from prominent angel investors like Flipkart’s Binny Bansal and Swiggy’s Sriharsha Majety. This funding will be used to build two additional prototypes of their flying taxis, establish an R&D centre in Bengaluru, and expand its workforce from 30 to around 100-120 people in the next six to ten months. The successful roll-out of flying taxis in India could lead to an entirely new mode of urban transport, offering benefits not only for commuters but also for the broader economy. Sarla’s focus on affordable pricing and scalability could help realise the dream of a congestion-free future for India’s rapidly growing cities. As Sarla Aviation prepares to unveil its first prototype, “Shunya,” the Indian market is set to witness the birth of a new era in air mobility. With flying taxis providing a solution to urban congestion, the future of transportation in India could be transformed, making it faster, more efficient, and more accessible for millions of people. The investment in infrastructure and technology will be crucial in bringing this vision to life, but with substantial funding and strategic partnerships, Sarla Aviation is on track to make electric flying taxis a reality for India’s cities by 2028.
