Bengalurus Kempe Gowda International Airport is set to be a key hub for cutting-edge urban air mobility solutions with Sarla Aviation joining hands with the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to launch electric flying taxis.

Last month, the two entities signed a statement of collaboration to explore sustainable air mobility, specifically electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

With a focus on affordable, sustainable air travel, Sarla Aviation addresses the congestion challenges in Indias major cities. Strategic partnerships, like the one with Bengaluru’s Kempe Gowda International Airport, positions Sarla Aviation as a key player in shaping the future of urban mobility.

This initiative, developed in Karnataka, aims to revolutionize air travel by introducing seven-seater electric flying taxis, which promises faster, cleaner, and more efficient transportation.

While operations may still be two to three years away, Sarla Aviations electric taxis promise a cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional helicopter services previously offered in Bengaluru.

The Bengaluru-based company, co-founded by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar and Shivam Chauhan, is at the forefront of this transformation.

Sarla Aviation plans to focus on four of Indias most congested citiesBengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Puneand bring affordable electric aerial taxis to the public. The companys proposed route from Bengaluru Airport to Electronics City would take just 19 minutes, compared to the 152 minutes required by road, and the fare would be Rs 1,700.

“We aim to redefine urban air transport with operational efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and scalable infrastructure. Our electric flying taxis will set new benchmarks in reliability and performance, aligning with global standards for sustainable aviation,” said Schmidt, Sarla Aviation co-founder and CEO.

The collaboration with Sarla Aviation at Bengaluru Airport introduces eVTOL aircraft, offers faster and sustainable air transport to address Bengalurus traffic issues.

This initiative marks a key step toward advancing urban mobility and a greener travel future.

Regulatory hurdles remain, but the collaboration signals a significant step forward in addressing urban congestion through sustainable aviation technology.

Sarla Aviation is rapidly emerging as a leader in the advanced air mobility sector, driving innovation with its eVTOL aircraft. The company is making strides in revolutionizing urban transportation by offering cleaner, faster, and more efficient aerial solutions.

The three co-founders worked with Western Air Traffic startups, while Chauhan was at Joby, Gaonkar and Schmidt were with Lilium.

Five eVTOL companies are shaping the future of air mobility: 1. Lilium 2. Archer Aviation 3. Joby Aviation 4. Volo copter 5. Wisk. Lilium is developing sustainable, high-speed air mobility through its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, vertiports and digital service. Joby Aviation, a pioneering force in the eVTOL space, is collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify its innovation.