According to JetSetGo founder Kanika Tekriwal, India is building the necessary infrastructure for flying taxis, with prices anticipated to be comparable to those of Uber.
Tekriwal highlighted the importance of affordability in the success of flying taxis and personal flying cars, estimating that the cost of ownership would range from $200,000 to $300,000.
India To Get Flying Taxis Soon?
She pointed out that, like the historical transition from cars being a luxury for the wealthy to becoming widely affordable, personal air mobility will probably become more accessible.
As per her, “We are creating infrastructure to operate flying taxis in India…Around 40 to 50 years ago, only the rich or 1 per cent of the world could afford cars. Now, around 40 per cent of the world can afford a car. That is the future of flying cars as well. Personal air mobility is going to take over.”
By cutting a 45-minute drive to a 5-minute flight, the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles) technology under development seeks to expedite and simplify commuting.
She stated, “The eVTOL we are working on right now is going to cost as much as Uber costs you from home to the office. And owning them will probably cost $200,000-$300,000.”
According to Tekriwal, cities like Dubai could soon see the introduction of flying cars and taxis in the airspace over Sheikh Zayed Road.
Due to its relative lack of disruption, the aviation industry is regarded as a crucial frontier for innovation.
Given that governments have historically required billions of dollars for infrastructure like airports, she emphasized the capital-intensive nature of aviation. Costs are being lowered, though, by newer technologies, such as smaller aircraft that only need 500-meter runways.
In India, where airlines currently serve only 160 of the country’s 1,000 cities, such developments could greatly improve connectivity and allow aircraft to operate from parking lots or other smaller areas, stated Tekriwal.
Success of Personal Air Mobility To Depend on Market Size and Scalability
Tekriwal thinks that in the next four to five years, the success of personal air mobility will depend more on market size and scalability than exclusivity.
The panel discussion on “Icons to Unicorns” featured additional speakers, including Pankaj Mundra, the former chairman of the ICAI Dubai Chapter; Munaf Kapadia, co-founder of The Bohri Kitchen; and Tarun Wig, co-founder of Innefu Labs.
Dr. R. Vaidyanathan and Mr. Venkatesh gave keynote addresses at the 42nd annual international conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAI) – Dubai Chapter, which included the discussion.
Tekriwal predicted a drastically altered skyline and way of life in the near future, expressing both excitement and trepidation about the revolutionary impact of flying taxis.
