Chennai-based The ePlane Company to supply 788 air ambulances to ICATT in a deal worth $1 billion

The ePlane Company, known for its compact flying electric taxis and urban air ambulance innovations, recently revealed a major partnership with India’s International Critical-Care Air Transfer Team (ICATT) that it says could transform emergency medical response. 

Under the agreement, ICATT will procure 788 electric air ambulances from the Chennai-based ePlane, aiming to “ensure rapid medical intervention across all districts in the country,” according to a joint statement.

The total deal value is expected to exceed $1 billion.

Rising road accidents

India’s daily road accident toll stands at roughly 463 fatalities, highlighting a critical need for faster rescue and hospital transfers. Nationally, the 108 helpline, dedicated to medical emergencies, is overwhelmed with thousands of calls in each state every day.

With this new partnership, ICATT hopes to assemble what it calls India’s most extensive air ambulance network, bridging the gap between remote accident sites and advanced medical facilities in both urban and rural areas.

“This is going to be a very good solution in terms of organ air-lifts. 95% of the registered patient recipients die before they get an organ. This is purely because of the lack of logistics, not due to lack of donors,” said Dr. Shalini Nalwad, founder of ICATT.

She noted that by deploying a large fleet of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, the collaboration could significantly cut the time it takes to move organs, medical supplies and critical care teams.

ePlane’s lineup

At the heart of ePlane’s lineup is the ultra-compact e200x eVTOL, featuring a wingspan of just eight meters and the ability to lift off from rooftops or small fields. According to the company, the e200x can transport patients “seven times faster than on-road vehicles,” making it a feasible approach for emergencies in sparsely served regions.

“By deploying air ambulances at scale, we aim to enhance emergency response capabilities, ensure faster critical care access, and bridge the gap between accident sites and advanced medical facilities, ultimately reducing fatalities and improving healthcare accessibility,” said Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, founder of The ePlane Company.

The e200x project is part of ePlane’s broader push to integrate electric air mobility into daily life. The startup previously raised $14 million in a Series B funding round co-led by Speciale Invest and Antares Ventures, with a portion of the funds allocated toward the development and certification of its manned aircraft.

The upcoming flight tests, set for mid-2025, will follow official approvals, including the Design Organisation Approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation—the first granted to a private Indian company for an electric aircraft.

ICATT's market presence

Founded in 2017 by Dr. Nalwad and Dr. Rahul Singh Sardar, ICATT has completed more than 2,300 critical patient airlifts from locations as varied as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Bhopal, and even the Maldives. The team is now establishing a base in Dubai, aiming to expand its reach beyond the subcontinent.

ICATT has said it will adapt ePlane’s aircraft to the “e-air-ambulance mission standards,” ensuring a high level of reliability and safety. “Healthcare is a fundamental right and everyone should be able to access it when they need it,” Dr. Nalwad said. “Here, we are integrating technology, health, and a very good cause so that no one is left behind.” 

According to the reports, the rollout of these ambulances will be phased, with one eVTOL allocated per district, though the final figure may shift due to changes in administrative boundaries or evolving patient care needs.