InterGlobe Enterprises, which owns IndiGo, the largest airline in India, and Archer Aviation are on course with their plans to launch flying taxi services between Delhi and Gurgaon, Bengaluru city and its international airport, as well as Bandra to Colaba in Mumbai, potentially from 2026, reports The Times of India.
According to the newspaper, quoting Nikhil Goel, CCO of Archer, the cost per passenger for using a Midnight eVTOL service between Delhi and Gurgaon, for example, (some 28 km in just 7 minutes), would be a “slight premium” over Uber (Rs 2,000–3,000 or USD24 to USD36), compared to (Rs 1,500–2,000) for a comparative road taxi trip. Yet, the Midnight flight would take just 7 minutes compared with sixty to ninety minutes by road, depending on the congestion severity. The fares for Uber and other aggregators are variable and based on demand.
Air taxi trial flights will go ahead with the permission from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as early as next year, before the commercial launch the following year.
(Credit: Times of India)
After commencing operations next year in the U.S, the next destinations for Archer will be India and the UAE. Delhi-NCR, India’s National Capital region, where Interglobe’s HQ is based in Gurgaon, is expected to be the first location to receive a flying taxi service.
Goel commented, “We are delighted to work with Rahul (Bhatia, IndiGo founder and Interglobe Head) and his team to launch our electric air taxis. We have undertaken multiple visits to India to engage with important regulatory, government and industry figures in order to expedite our advancements in the region.”
Meanwhile, IndiGo’s agreed purchase of up to 200 Midnight eVTOLs in a deal valued at USD1 billion, remains solid. The partners plan to collaborate on constructing vertiports which include charging facilities as well as training pilots.
While inking the deal last November, Bhatia remarked, “We are excited at this new opportunity of bringing an effective, futuristic and sustainable transport solution by introducing Archer’s electric aircraft to India.”
Archer is starting production of Midnight at its U.S Georgia factory this year. The company is collaborating with car manufacturer giant, Stellantis, to produce air taxis in various locations, including India.
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(News Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
