SOURCE: AFI
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) and Sarla Aviation have joined forces to explore innovative and sustainable air mobility solutions. This partnership marks a significant step towards the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions in Karnataka.
The collaboration aims to pioneer new operational models for 7-seater eVTOL aircraft, revolutionizing the reach and accessibility of air travel. By combining BLR Airport’s expertise in aviation infrastructure and Sarla Aviation’s focus on urban mobility, the partnership seeks to create a cleaner and faster future where advanced mobility is a reality.
Sarla Aviation has outlined its ambitious goal of transforming urban mobility by targeting four of the world’s most congested cities: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune. The company envisions making aerial ride-sharing as affordable as current ride-hailing services, opening up new possibilities for efficient and accessible transportation.
According to Sarla Aviation, the journey from Bengaluru airport to Electronics City could be reduced to just 19 minutes at a fare of Rs 1,700, compared to 152 minutes and Rs 2,500 by premium cabs. However, the timeline for the commencement of these operations remains uncertain.
While the eVTOL ecosystem, including regulatory approvals, is still in its early stages, BLR Airport sources estimate that operationalization could be at least two to three years away. The development of a prototype, followed by extensive testing and certification, is a crucial step before any commercial operations can begin.