In a city infamous for its traffic congestion, Sarla Aviation’s electric flying taxis promise a faster, greener commute.
Bengaluru commuters may soon find relief from the city’s notorious traffic jams as Sarla Aviation is set to launch electric flying taxis, significantly reducing travel time across key routes. A journey that currently takes up to three hours, like the 52-kilometer stretch between Bengaluru Airport and Electronics City, could be completed in just 19 minutes using these flying taxis.
Sarla Aviation has partnered with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to introduce electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban mobility. This initiative aligns with the city’s efforts to tackle traffic congestion, which is among the worst globally. According to a survey by geolocation technology company TomTom, Bengaluru ranks second worldwide for traffic jams, with rush-hour travel often taking 30 minutes to cover just 10 kilometers.
Seven-Seater Flying Taxis: Fare and Other Details
The electric flying taxis, which can accommodate seven passengers, will be priced at Rs 1,700 for a trip from the airport to Electronics City. Sarla Aviation’s fully electric flying taxis are designed to provide commuters with a faster, more sustainable alternative to navigating the city’s overcrowded roads. A trip that typically takes 1.5 hours from Indiranagar to the airport, for instance, could be reduced to just five minutes.
Adrian Schmid, Co-founder and CEO of Sarla Aviation, stated, “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.”
A Broader Urban Mobility Vision
Initially, Sarla Aviation will focus on launching the service in four of India’s most congested cities: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune. The company aims to make these flying taxis more affordable and accessible than traditional helicopter services previously available in Bengaluru.
Although promising, the project is still awaiting regulatory approval and is expected to take up to three years to become fully operational. Once launched, Sarla Aviation’s flying taxis could drastically transform urban mobility, offering a quicker, eco-friendly solution for city dwellers
