Bengaluru airport to launch electric flying taxi service in partnership with Sarla Aviation

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is set to revolutionize urban transportation with the introduction of electric flying taxis, thanks to a new partnership with Sarla Aviation. Although the service is still two to three years away from becoming operational, it promises to be a game-changer in sustainable air mobility.

Sarla Aviation's electric flying taxis will provide a cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective alternative to the traditional helicopter services once offered in Bengaluru. A trip from Electronic City to the airport is expected to take just 19 minutes and cost around Rs 1,700, according to Sarla Aviation's website.

The collaboration between Sarla Aviation and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) marks a significant step towards making Kempegowda International Airport a hub for cutting-edge urban air mobility solutions. Last month, both parties signed a statement of collaboration to explore the potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with a focus on sustainable air travel.

Developed in Karnataka, this initiative aims to introduce seven-seater electric flying taxis, promising faster, cleaner, and more efficient transportation options. The project not only emphasizes operational efficiency but also aims to reduce carbon emissions and build scalable infrastructure.

Sarla Aviation plans to extend its services to four of India’s most congested cities—Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune—offering affordable electric aerial taxis to the public.

"We aim to redefine urban air transport with operational efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and scalable infrastructure. Our electric flying taxis will set new benchmarks in reliability and performance, aligning with global standards for sustainable aviation," said Schmidt, Sarla Aviation co-founder and CEO, in a statement to PTI.

This groundbreaking service is poised to make significant strides in the urban mobility sector, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient future for air travel in India.