/indianstartupnews/media/agency_attachments/s1FnhAYONODoxNkoC8xA.png)
Follow Us/indianstartupnews/media/media_files/QH1Erq58t920cnIHHRla.png)
InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, has partnered with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric aviation from the US, to launch a futuristic all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026.
The innovative all-electric air taxi will transport passengers from Connaught Place in Delhi to Gurugram, Haryana, in a mere seven minutes, a journey that typically takes 90 minutes by road.
What makes these air taxis special?
These air taxis are not like average helicopters; they are electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, known for being quieter and safer.
Archer Aviation will produce 200 of these 'Midnight' model planes, each capable of carrying four passengers and a pilot. Notably, The taxis can be fully charged in 30-40 minutes, with one minute of charging providing one minute of flight.
How much will it cost?
Archer Aviation executives estimate that the price for a seven-minute flight using its five-seater eVTOL aircraft from Connaught Place to Gurugram in Haryana could range from Rs 2,000 to 3,000.
To put this in perspective, a trip by a conventional app-based taxi service for the same distance costs about Rs 500. While the air taxi service is pricier, it drastically cuts down on travel time.
What did Archer Aviation say?
Following trials in California, Archer Aviation aims to bring the aircraft to India for demonstration flights next year. The company is currently working closely with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to receive the necessary certifications, which is expected by next year.
Subsequently, they will seek approval from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation to begin commercial operations by 2026.
Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation, emphasized that India is poised to be the largest market for their air taxis, which are part of a broader strategy to alleviate the strain of urban congestion. Initially, the service will focus on Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Goldstein stated, "India will be the biggest market in the world for us. It’s a very important market," highlighting the strategic importance of these metropolitan areas in the rollout of their innovative transportation solution.