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Bengaluru Based Startup Tests India's First Electric Air Taxi: Launch By 2028
Bengaluru-based startup Sarla Aviation is planning to introduce air taxis by 2028. They have already begun early testing of their SYLLA SYL-X1 prototype, which is a half-scale electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) demonstrator. If development stays on track, these air taxis could appear in large, high-traffic cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi within the next few years.
Electric Air Taxi In India
Many cities across India are facing heavy traffic and longer commute times. Several transport companies and government bodies are now exploring new options for urban transportation. These air taxi services could become one of the future solutions to ease traffic and reduce travel time. Sarla Aviation, which started in 2023, is one of those companies developing these flying taxis for the past few years.
Sarla Aviation is developing these electric air taxis in its own manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The SYL-X1 is a sub-scale aircraft purpose-built to validate structural behavior, propulsion integration, and safety architecture. It is also designed for evaluation and certification, allowing the company to progress toward its larger goal of building a 15-metre full-scale aircraft.
Although the aircraft resembles a small airplane in layout, it is expected to take off and land vertically, similar to a helicopter. The full-scale aircraft is expected to feature a 15-metre wingspan, while the current SYL-X1 demonstrator is being engineered with a 7.5-metre wing, effectively half that span.
Sarla Aviation has set up dedicated testing zones within its Bengaluru manufacturing plant for this purpose. These internal facilities allow controlled testing before any public demonstrations. The air taxi is expected to meet aviation standards, which typically require repeated inspections and structured test flights.
The company has already showcased a full-scale static aircraft at Bharat Mobility and has raised 13 million USD in funding for this project. Their mission is to build a helicopter-class aircraft at reduced cost and operational complexity, while improving safety using electric propulsion and smart integrated systems.
India does not have a clear legal framework for commercial air taxi operations. Approvals under Indian aviation law are still pending. However, with increasing transportation needs, policy guidelines are expected before 2028 if projects like Sarla Aviation's continue to progress rapidly.
DriveSpark believes flying cars and air taxis in India are now moving beyond the concept stage. In a city like Bengaluru, where traffic congestion and slow movement are major concerns, air taxis could become a strong alternative for daily transportation, especially in dense urban city centers.
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