Bengaluru News: Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), located about 40 km from the city centre, could soon offer a more convenient travel option. Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has joined forces with Sarla Aviation to explore innovative and sustainable air mobility solutions.
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BIAL announced this partnership on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “This collaboration marks a significant step in our commitment to Advanced Air Mobility solutions developed right here in Karnataka.” The two companies aim to develop operational models for seven-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which could transform the accessibility of air travel. BIAL expressed enthusiasm for creating a future that prioritises clean and efficient mobility.
Sarla Aviation has ambitious plans to change urban transport in some of India’s busiest cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. The company aims to make aerial ride-sharing comparable in cost to traditional taxi services like Uber or Ola, promising a new, affordable transportation option for many.
According to Sarla Aviation’s website, the journey from KIA to Electronics City would take only 19 minutes at a fare of Rs 1,700. In contrast, a premium taxi ride for the same distance of 37.5 km currently takes about 152 minutes and costs around Rs 2,500.
Adrian Schmidt, co-founder and CEO of Sarla Aviation, shared on LinkedIn his pride in the partnership with BIAL, calling it a crucial step in tackling Bengaluru’s traffic congestion. He highlighted that a typical trip from Indiranagar to the airport can take 1.5 hours, but with their electric flying taxis, that time could be reduced to just 5 minutes. Schmidt praised the leadership at BIAL for encouraging innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
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However, the Money Control report quoted a source from BIAL stating as that these services are still a few years away. “It’s likely to take at least two to three years,” the source noted, as the eVTOL ecosystem requires further development, including regulatory approvals. The source explained that a prototype needs to be built before operational routes can be established, ensuring no disruption to existing air traffic.
Previously, Thumby Aviation and Blade India attempted to launch helicopter taxi services connecting KIA with other locations, but these were suspended due to low demand. In contrast, eVTOL aircraft offer advantages over traditional helicopters, such as electric propulsion, lower maintenance costs and a quieter operation, making them an appealing option for urban air mobility.
Last year, California’s Archer signed an agreement with InterGlobe Enterprises to introduce electric air taxis to India by 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued guidelines for certifying VTOL aircraft, paving the way for future developments in this field.
