GURUGRAM- InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of India’s leading airline, IndiGo (6E), and US-based Archer Aviation, are set to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026.
This service will transport passengers from Connaught Place in the national capital to Gurugram in Haryana in just 7 minutes.
IndiGo Archer Aviation Taxis
Archer Aviation will provide 200 electric vertical takeoffs and landing (eVTOL) aircraft capable of carrying four passengers along with a pilot. These aircraft will function similarly to helicopters but with reduced noise and enhanced safety features.
In addition to Delhi, the collaboration between InterGlobe and Archer Aviation will initially launch similar services in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
According to executives at Archer Aviation, the cost of a seven-minute flight using the company’s five-seater eVTOL aircraft from Connaught Place to Gurugram could range from Rs 2,000 to 3,000.
Adam Goldstein, Founder & CEO of Archer Aviation, stated on Friday that discussions with the US regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are ongoing, and the certification process for their aircraft is at an advanced stage. Certification is anticipated next year, following the certification process with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will commence.
In an interview with PTI in the national capital, Goldstein outlined the company’s plans to commence flights in India by 2026, aiming to deploy 200 Midnight planes for operations.
Initially, Archer Aviation will focus on Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with flight durations expected to be around 7 minutes from Connaught Place to Gurugram, at a cost ranging from Rs 2,000 to 3,000.
One Minute Flying on One Minute Charge
According to Goldstein, covering the 27-kilometer distance in a car would take approximately 90 minutes and cost around Rs 1,500. The five-seater Midnight aircraft will have capacity for the pilot and four passengers.
The Chief Commercial Officer Goel mentioned that the aircraft, equipped with six battery packs, will achieve full charge in 30-40 minutes, with one minute of charging equating to approximately one minute of flight time.
Archer Aviation is finalizing a joint venture with InterGlobe Enterprises, and there are ongoing discussions to determine the exact details. The US company also engages with various municipalities to address infrastructure and other operational requirements.
Goel stated that they will leverage the full capabilities of InterGlobe, a conglomerate, and the joint venture may collaborate with partners for eVTOL operations in India. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the necessary real estate for vertiports or launchpads and other infrastructure essential for initiating flight operations.
Archer Aviation is set to inaugurate its manufacturing facility in the US this year, with an initial capacity to produce up to 650 planes, subsequently scaling up to 2,000 planes. In response to a question regarding future aircraft manufacturing in India, Goldstein affirmed.
Last year, Archer Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InterGlobe Enterprises, a prominent Indian travel conglomerate, which includes the country’s IndiGo airline.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
