Electric air taxis set to revolutionize transportation in India by 2026

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【Summary】India's leading airline, IndiGo, and US-based Archer Aviation have partnered to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. The service, called 'Midnight', will operate in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, offering fast and cost-competitive transportation solutions. The e-aircraft can carry four passengers and a pilot for up to 100 miles, with a trip estimated to take only 7 minutes compared to 60-90 minutes by car.

FutureCar Staff Nov 10, 2023 5:16 AM PT

Electric air taxis set to revolutionize transportation in India by 2026

InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer Aviation have revealed their plans to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026, according to a report by Reuters. The partnership, subject to regulatory approvals, aims to address the growing need for efficient transportation solutions in India, where ground travel congestion and urban pollution are major concerns.

Archer Aviation, backed by industry giants Boeing and United Airlines, specializes in electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, which are seen as the future of urban air mobility. The proposed 'Midnight' e-aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot for up to 100 miles. Initial services are planned to begin in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

The companies emphasize that the electric air taxi service will be cost-competitive with on-road services. For example, a journey that typically takes 60 to 90 minutes by car in Delhi is estimated to take only around 7 minutes in an air taxi.

In addition to passenger transport, InterGlobe Enterprises envisions using the e-aircraft for various purposes such as cargo, logistics, medical, emergency, and charter services. This broadens the potential impact of the electric air taxi service on India's transportation landscape.

Archer Aviation has recently secured a $142 million deal from the US Air Force to supply six Midnight aircraft. The company has also announced plans to launch an air taxi service in the UAE. These developments have resulted in a 1.5% increase in Archer Aviation's shares in US premarket trading.

Meanwhile, InterGlobe Aviation, which holds a nearly 38% stake in IndiGo-parent InterGlobe Enterprises, experienced a 0.12% increase in its shares ahead of the announcement. As the collaboration progresses, obtaining regulatory clearances will be crucial in shaping the future of electric air taxis in India and addressing the country's urban mobility challenges.

(With inputs from Reuters)