India is set to witness a revolution in urban transport, as InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of the country’s largest airline IndiGo, and US-based Archer Aviation have announced their plans to launch an all-electric air taxi service in the country by 2026.
The service, which will be cost-competitive with on-road services, will use electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which can fly four passengers and a pilot for up to 100 miles (roughly 161 km).
The aircraft, named ‘Midnight’, are designed and manufactured by Archer Aviation, which is backed by major players in the aviation industry, such as Chrysler-parent Stellantis, Boeing, and United Airlines.
The partnership, which is subject to regulatory approvals, aims to address the growing demand for transport solutions in India, which is facing severe traffic congestion and pollution in its major cities.
The service will start with 200 aircraft and operate in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, where a typical car journey of 60 to 90 minutes will be reduced to just seven minutes by air.
The project is part of a global trend of developing urban air mobility solutions, which are expected to transform the future of transportation. Archer Aviation has already secured a $142 million-deal from the US Air Force in July to provide six Midnight aircraft and has announced its plans to launch an air taxi service in the UAE in October. Several other companies are also working on making air e-taxis operational across the US and some European countries.
However, India is one of the few developing countries that have shown interest in this emerging technology, which could give it an edge over its competitors. The civil aviation ministry has expressed its readiness to formulate a policy framework for the air taxis and will soon commission a study on the matter. The government will also announce the first set of production-linked incentives for the sector soon, according to department Secretary Rajiv Bansal.
The air taxi service, if successful, could be a game-changer for India’s urban transport, as it will offer a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative to the conventional modes of travel. It will also create new opportunities for the aviation industry, which has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The service could also boost India’s image as a leader in innovation and sustainability, as it will showcase its ability to adopt and implement cutting-edge technology.