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Sarla Aviation Unveils India's First Air Taxi Prototype, 'Shunya,' Set for Launch by 2028.

Science and Technology | Dated: 25 Jan 2025

In January 2025, Sarla Aviation Private Limited, a Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based aerospace startup, unveiled India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi prototype, 'Shunya,' at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Initially, the company plans to launch this electric air taxi in Bengaluru by 2028, making it the first to introduce urban air transport in India.
  • - Sarla Aviation plans to expand its electric air taxi services to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune while also introducing a free air ambulance service to address urgent medical transportation needs in urban areas.
  • - Sarla Aviation plans to offer competitively priced air taxi services, aligning with premium taxi rates, while also providing free air ambulance services to address medical emergencies effectively.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The Shunya air taxi, designed for short trips of 20-30 kilometers, can reach a top speed of 250 kmph, carry up to 6 passengers, and handle a maximum weight of 680 kg, making it the highest payload eVTOL vehicle in the market.
  • (ii) Shunya will help reduce challenges like traffic congestion and pollution, which are common issues in many major Indian cities.
  • (iii) Sarla Aviation Private Limited is a startup founded in October 2023 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan. The company is named after Sarla Thakral, who was India’s first female pilot. She earned her pilot’s license at the age of 21 in 1936.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which company recently unveiled India's first air taxi prototype, 'Shunya'?

Correct Answer: Sarla Aviation

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Sarla Aviation Private Limited

  • CEO: Adrian Schmidt
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru