FLYING TAXIS
INDIAN FLYING TAXI STARTUP SARLA AVIATION SECURES $10 MILLION IN FUNDING
Sarla Aviation, an Indian startup developing flying taxis for mass mobility, has successfully raised $10 million in its Series A1 funding round. The round was led by venture capital firm Accel, with participation from a distinguished group of investors. This significant investment will fuel the company’s growth trajectory, enabling it to scale operations, establish a dedicated research and development (R&D) centre, expand its workforce, and expedite the launch of its flying taxi prototype. The much-anticipated prototype was scheduled for unveiling on 17 January at the Bharat Mobility
Sarla’s flagship eVTOL aircraft, aptly named “Shunya,”
incor-
Global Expo in New Delhi, with the company targeting a market launch in 2028. Founded in 2024, Sarla Aviation aims to revolutionise urban mobility in India by
providing
instant and affordable air travel solutions and alleviate the growing burden of traffic congestion and pollution in rapidly urbanising Indian cities.
porates a hybrid lift-and-cruise design and boasts the highest payload capacity in the market, capable of carrying up to 680 kilograms. This innovative design promises to deliver 35% more passenger capacity at a fraction of the cost compared to Western competitors, making air mobility accessible to a broader segment of the Indian population. Sarla also envisions leveraging its technology to
address critical
healthcare needs by means of a free-of-cost air ambulance service, addressing the urgent need for rapid medical response.
PLANS APPROVED FOR FIRST FLYING TAXI STATION NEXT TO DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Dubai has taken a significant step towards the future of urban transportation with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) approving plans for the city’s first flying taxi station. The Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), developed by Skyports Infrastructure, will be strategically located adjacent to Dubai International Airport. This ground-breaking project marks a key milestone in the UAE’s ambitious plans to integrate advanced aviation technologies. Construction on the DXV commenced in late 2024, with commercial air taxi operations anticipated to begin in 2026. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA,
18
emphasised the significance of this approval, stating: “This advances the UAE’s leadership in adopting innovative aviation solutions and exemplifies our commitment to
creating safe,
secure and future-ready infra- structure.” Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, expressed his enthusiasm, stating:
“What we’re undertaking in Dubai – and driving in other regions – completely reimagines the way people travel around cities and between regions.” He highlighted the crucial role of collaborative regulatory frame- works in ensuring the safe and scalable development of this new mode of transport. The approval of the DXV paves the way for the launch of commercial air taxi operations in Dubai. This development is expected to have a significant impact on the tourism sector, with attractions operators potentially exploring the use of flying taxis to enhance guest experiences and offer convenient transportation options to their parks and resorts.
FEBRUARY 2025 PHTM
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