Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is stepping into the future of urban transport through a partnership with Sarla Aviation, exploring the potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This collaboration, announced on X (formerly Twitter), aims to develop operational models for seven-seater eVTOL aircraft, which could revolutionize city-to-airport commutes and offer clean, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions.
The Future of Urban Air Mobility
With Bengaluru’s notorious traffic, Sarla Aviation’s vision is to provide aerial ride-sharing as a more convenient and affordable travel option. For example, a trip from KIA to Electronics City—which now takes about 152 minutes in a premium taxi—could be reduced to just 19 minutes using electric flying taxis, at a fare of Rs 1,700, compared to the current taxi cost of Rs 2,500. This is seen as a game-changer for urban transport.
According to Adrian Schmidt, co-founder and CEO of Sarla Aviation, the project could drastically cut travel times across Bengaluru, with a typical 1.5-hour trip from Indiranagar to KIA reduced to just 5 minutes using their flying taxis. Schmidt expressed pride in the collaboration with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), emphasizing its role in pushing innovation.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the promise of eVTOL aircraft is exciting, the project is still in its early stages. A source from BIAL explained that such services are likely two to three years away, pending the development of the eVTOL ecosystem, regulatory approvals, and the establishment of operational routes. The need for prototypes and stringent safety measures are critical steps in the process, ensuring smooth integration with existing air traffic.
A Greener Alternative to Helicopters
Previous attempts at helicopter taxi services at KIA, by companies like Thumby Aviation and Blade India, failed due to low demand. However, eVTOL aircraft offer significant advantages over traditional helicopters, such as electric propulsion, lower maintenance costs, and quieter operations. These benefits make eVTOLs an appealing solution for urban air mobility.
India’s Growing Air Mobility Sector
The global interest in electric air taxis has grown, with companies like Archer signing agreements to introduce such services in India by 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued guidelines for certifying VTOL aircraft, setting the stage for exciting developments in this sector.
As Bengaluru awaits the future of air mobility, the collaboration between Kempegowda International Airport and Sarla Aviation could pave the way for an era of sustainable urban transport, providing much-needed relief from traffic congestion.
