New Delhi: Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly known as air taxis, represent the next significant advancement in air mobility. Across the globe, prototypes are being tested while regulatory frameworks are still in their formative stages. Countries like China, the US, and the UAE are actively preparing for this emerging mode of transportation. In India, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recommended that the government extend the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to support domestic manufacturing of eVTOLs.
Currently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation offers the PLI scheme for manufacturing drones and their components.
To establish a foundational framework for Advanced Air Mobility, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently issued airworthiness criteria for eVTOL operations and guidelines for developing vertiports, which are designated facilities for landing and take-off.
Indian aviation companies are making strides to bring eVTOL operations to the country. InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Archer Aviation, a California-based eVTOL manufacturer, aiming to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026.
In 2023, Hunch Mobility partnered with Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of aerospace manufacturer Embraer, to introduce eVTOL flights in Bengaluru. Eve’s eVTOL aircraft is expected to become operational in 2026.
DGCA, in its advisory circular, had outlined that existing heliports, airports, runways, or airstrips could also be repurposed for developing vertiports. Dutta suggested that these facilities should be located near metro stations or airports to ensure seamless connectivity between eVTOL services and other transportation modes.
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