In a groundbreaking development poised to revolutionize urban transportation, InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, and US-based Archer Aviation are on the brink of launching an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. This pioneering initiative aims to drastically reduce travel time, with passengers able to commute from Connaught Place to Gurugram in a mere 7 minutes, a journey that typically takes 90 minutes by car.
The collaboration between InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer Aviation is set to usher in a new era of sustainable and efficient aerial mobility. As part of the venture, Archer Aviation will deploy 200 electric vertical takeoffs and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, each capable of accommodating four passengers alongside a pilot. These aircraft, operating akin to helicopters but with significantly reduced noise levels and heightened safety features, are poised to redefine urban transportation.
Furthermore, this innovative air taxi service is not limited to Delhi alone. InterGlobe and Archer Aviation have plans to expand operations to Mumbai and Bengaluru, catering to the burgeoning demand for swift and eco-friendly commuting solutions in metropolitan areas across India. Delving into the financial aspect, executives at Archer Aviation have disclosed that the cost of a seven-minute flight from Connaught Place to Gurugram is estimated to range between INR 2,000 to 3,000 using their five-seater eVTOL aircraft. This affordable pricing model aims to make air travel accessible to a wider segment of the population.
Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, shared insights into the certification process, indicating that advanced discussions with the US regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are underway. Certification is anticipated to be granted next year, following which the company will initiate the certification process with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India. Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer Aviation, elaborated on the technical aspects of the aircraft, highlighting its swift charging capabilities. The five-seater Midnight aircraft, equipped with six battery packs, can be fully recharged in just 30-40 minutes, enabling seamless operations.
Archer Aviation is also actively engaging with municipal authorities to address infrastructure requirements, including the establishment of vertiports or launchpads. Discussions are underway to secure the necessary real estate and infrastructure to kickstart flight operations smoothly. As Archer Aviation prepares to inaugurate its manufacturing facility in the US this year, with an initial capacity to produce up to 650 planes, the stage is set for a transformative leap in urban transportation. With plans to ramp up production to 2,000 planes, the future of aerial mobility in India looks promising and electrifying.