In a new partnership, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Sarla Aviation have teamed up to introduce electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, promising to transform travel from the city to Kempegowda International Airport, as per The Indian Express.
According to Sarla Aviation, this innovative electric aircraft will cut the usual 1.5-hour travel time down to a mere five minutes. This means that commuters can hop on an eVTOL and reach the airport from city hotspots like Electronic City in under 20 minutes, compared to the 152 minutes it currently takes by road.
What is an eVTOL?
It’s a seven-seater aircraft powered by electricity that can hover, take off, and land vertically, much like a helicopter. These aircraft are part of a larger movement toward advanced air mobility (AAM), which seeks to provide urban air transportation options, including air taxis, cargo delivery, and medical services. eVTOLs are expected to help ease traffic congestion and create more efficient transportation systems in cities.
According to Sarla Aviation’s website, their eVTOL can travel distances up to 160 kilometers but is optimally designed for shorter trips of 20 to 40 kilometers. In cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi, passengers could save up to 87 percent of their commute time. For instance, the travel time from Electronic City to the airport is projected to drop from 152 minutes by road to under 20 minutes by eVTOL.
The aircraft is equipped with four battery packs and seven electric motors, allowing it to reach speeds of 250 km/h. It comfortably seats a pilot and six passengers, along with their luggage. Additionally, it can complete multiple trips of 40 kilometers each with just 15 minutes of charging time between flights.
According to The Indian Express, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Adrian Schmidt, CEO of Sarla Aviation, stated, “This partnership marks a major step in tackling Bengaluru’s congestion issues. We’re proud to work with Bengaluru Airport to make it India’s first eVTOL-friendly airport, setting new standards for sustainable aviation.”
Last week, Sarla Aviation also met with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Delhi. They discussed India’s leadership in urban air mobility and the steps needed to create an eVTOL policy tailored for the country, ensuring a smooth regulatory pathway for this innovative travel option.
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