Indian eVTOL Aircraft Pioneers Push for Faster Regulatory Progress

India’s aviation industry is calling on regulators to move faster in establishing rules for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged the country to “leapfrog straight into aerial mobility,” the regulatory framework is still in development. Industry leaders suggest formal rules could be in place within the next two years — but manufacturers are already moving ahead.

Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation is developing its hybrid-electric six-seat aircraft, the Shunya, with plans for certification and commercial launch by 2029. The company aims to begin air taxi operations from Bengaluru International Airport before expanding to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.

Meanwhile, Chennai startup ePlane has begun flight testing its two-seat e200X, designed for short urban trips. The company reports it has already completed transition flights — a major technical milestone.

Commercial operators are also preparing for the shift. JetSetGo has pre-ordered 50 aircraft from UK-based Vertical Aerospace, while Archer Aviation has partnered with InterGlobe Enterprises to potentially deploy up to 200 of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft in India.

India’s urban air mobility ecosystem is clearly gaining momentum. Now, the industry is waiting for regulators to catch up and provide the framework needed to get air taxis into the skies.