E-flying taxi to Bengaluru airport? BIAL collaborates with eVTOL startup to beat road traffic congestion

An artistic impression of an electric flying taxi above Bengaluru airport. Image credit: Sarla Aviation

Traveling to and from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), located around 40 km from Bengaluru's central business district (CBD), may soon become hassle-free if everything goes as planned.

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates KIA, and Sarla Aviation recently signed a statement of collaboration “to explore cutting-edge and sustainable air mobility solutions”.

"This partnership marks a new chapter in our commitment to Advanced Air Mobility solutions, developed right here in Karnataka," BIAL wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"Together, we are pioneering the development of new operational models for seven-seater eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, aiming to revolutionise air travel's reach and accessibility. This initiative is about more than just adopting new technology; it's about creating a future that is cleaner, faster, and where advanced mobility is a reality," BIAL added.

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) and Sarla Aviation have signed a statement of collaboration to explore innovative and sustainable air mobility solutions. This partnership marks a new chapter in our commitment to Advanced Air Mobility solutions developed pic.twitter.com/ZGlPHxlV1Q
BLR Airport (@BLRAirport) October 11, 2024

Sarla Aviation, on its website, outlined its goal of transforming urban mobility by targeting four of the world's most congested cities—Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Pune. "We're committed to making aerial ride-sharing as affordable as current Uber or Ola rides, opening up a new realm of accessible and efficient transportation for a diverse array of customers," the company stated.

Also read: Indian startup The ePlane to develop electric air taxi prototype by March 2025

The Sarla Aviation website also claimed that the Bengaluru airport to Electronics City route would take just 19 minutes at a fare of Rs 1,700. In comparison, premium cabs would take 152 minutes and cost around Rs 2,500 for the same 37.5 km distance, it said.

Adrian Schmidt, co-founder and CEO of Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation, wrote on LinkedIn: “I am proud to announce our partnership with Bangalore International Airport Ltd, marking a significant step in addressing Bengaluru’s congestion challenges.” Sarla Aviation is named after Sarla Thakral—the first Indian woman to earn a pilot's licence in 1936.

Also read: Bengaluru airport's hyperloop plan hits roadblock; BIAL explores other transport options

“Currently, a journey from Indiranagar to the airport can take 1.5 hours. Very soon, we will reduce that to just 5 minutes with Sarla Aviation's fully electric flying taxis. I’m truly inspired by the leadership at Bengaluru Airport, whose vision challenges young companies like ours to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. Together, we are dedicated to creating a better future for Karnataka, India, and the world.” Schmidt added.

May take two to three years: BIAL source

While there is no mention when the operations could commence, a BIAL source said: “It’s at least two to three years away. The eVTOL ecosystem, including regulatory approval, still needs to mature. There’s a long way to go, and they haven’t even built a prototype yet.”

Another BIAL source said: "They need to develop a prototype first, followed by several additional steps. Once that's achieved, we will explore how we can operationalise some routes, provided there is no impact on commercial airspace capacity."

Also read: eVTOL companies from Canada, US looking to set up units in India

Earlier, Thumby Aviation and Blade India launched intracity heli-taxi services, connecting KIA with HAL and Electronics City. However, these services were later suspended due to low patronage.

EVTOL aircraft offer significant advantages over the more conventional helicopters, mainly due to their electric propulsion. Unlike heli-taxis that run on aviation turbine fuel and have high maintenance costs, eVTOLs are cleaner, quieter and more cost-effective, making them a promising option for urban air mobility.

Last year, California-based Archer signed a memorandum of understanding with InterGlobe Enterprises (the company that runs the country's largest airline IndiGo) to bring electric air taxis to India by 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Last month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued an advisory on baseline airworthiness criteria for certifying VTOL aircraft.

Also, read: InterGlobe Enterprises, Archer Aviation to launch electric air taxi service across India in 2026