Sarla Aviation Unveils Shunya Air Taxi Prototype, Aiming for 2028 Launch in Bangalore

Sarla Aviation, an aerospace startup, introduced its prototype air taxi, Shunya, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. The company aims to launch electric flying taxis in Bangalore by 2028 to transform urban transport in India. Shunya can reach speeds of up to 250 km per hour and is designed for short trips of 20-30 km, promising to cut travel times in congested areas.

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Founded in October 2023 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation has its roots in Bengaluru. The platform is named after Sarla Thukral, India's first woman pilot. Recently, the company secured USD 10 million in Series A funding led by Accel, with contributions from angel investors like Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath.

Prototype Features and Future Plans

The Shunya prototype can accommodate six passengers and carry a maximum load of 680 kg. This makes it the highest payload eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) vehicle on the market. "Shunya is more than a technological achievement; it embodies our vision to redefine urban mobility in India," said Adrian Schmidt, Co-founder and CEO of Sarla Aviation.

Schmidt added that by addressing challenges like traffic congestion and pollution, the company aims to unlock India's economic potential while paving the way for a cleaner and more connected future. Sarla Aviation plans to expand its services to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and other major cities after launching in Bengaluru. The pricing will be comparable to current premium taxi services.

Investment and Development Goals

The recent capital infusion will accelerate technology development and help establish a research and development centre. In addition to passenger transport, Sarla Aviation intends to introduce a free air ambulance service. This initiative aims to provide rapid medical responses and address critical healthcare needs in urban areas.

Sarla Aviation's ambitious plans reflect a broader vision for urban mobility solutions that are efficient and environmentally friendly. By integrating advanced technology with practical applications, the company hopes to set new standards for transportation in India.