Bengaluru Airport, Sarla Aviation in tie-up for electric air taxis

Bengaluru: Tapping into the long-discussed potential of air mobility to offset congestion on Bengaluru’s roads, the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) and Sarla Aviation have entered a partnership to develop eVOTL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft as air taxis.

The seven-seater eVOTL aircraft models are aimed at “revolutionising” the reach and accessibility of air travel, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of the airport, said.

Sarla Aviation has pitched the aircraft as a “quieter, cleaner and more efficient” alternative to conventional ground and air travel. It claimed that the aircraft can cover the distance between Electronics City and the airport in about 19 minutes. The aviation company has proposed a fare of Rs 1,700 for the ride.

The aircraft comes with the vertical take-off capability of a helicopter and its electric propulsion ensures environmental benefits, the Bengaluru-based company said. It is being developed with a focus on four cities: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune.

A statement of collaboration between BIAL and the company in this connection was signed recently. BIAL said the initiative, while adopting a new technology, was also steered by a commitment to sustainability.