SOURCE: AFI
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has made a compelling case to the Indian Government for extending the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to include the manufacturing of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and their components. This push comes at a time when the global landscape of urban air mobility is rapidly evolving, and India aims to position itself as a leader in this innovative sector.
Several Indian startups stand to gain significantly from such an initiative. Companies like ePlane Company, sarla aviation, and Bluj Aero are at the forefront of eVTOL technology in India. The extension of the PLI scheme could provide these firms with the financial incentives needed to scale up their operations, invest in R&D, and bring their designs from concept to market. This would not only accelerate technological development but also foster job creation and skill enhancement within the country.
In a significant development for the Indian aviation sector, InterGlobe, the parent company of IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with American startup Archer Aviation. Under this agreement, InterGlobe has committed to acquiring 200 of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft, with an order value of $1 billion, specifically for the Indian market. This move signifies a bold step towards integrating eVTOL technology into India’s urban transport ecosystem, potentially reducing congestion and promoting eco-friendly travel solutions.
The CII’s call to action is timely, considering the global race towards sustainable and efficient urban transportation solutions. By extending the PLI scheme to eVTOLs, the Indian government could catalyze a new industry, providing startups with the support they need to innovate and scale, while also positioning India as a hub for eVTOL manufacturing and technology. The partnership between InterGlobe and Archer Aviation further underscores the potential of this market in India, promising not just technological advancement but also new paradigms in urban mobility.