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Sarla Aviation Flying Taxi "Shunya" Unveiled At Auto Expo 2025: Launch Set For 2028
Sarla Aviation has announced its entry into the electric vertical take-off and (eVTOL) aircraft sector with the debut of its air taxi prototype, Shunya, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. The company, founded by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan in October 2023, aims to transform urban mobility in India.
They plan to roll out their electric flying taxis in Bangalore by 2028, with plans to expand to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and other major cities, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges of urban travel.
Shunya stands out in the market as the highest payload eVTOL, designed to carry up to six passengers or a maximum load of 680 kg. It boasts speeds of up to 250 km/h and is ideally suited for short trips ranging from 20-30 km. This innovation aims to drastically cut down travel times in densely populated areas.
Initially, Sarla Aviation plans to price these air taxi rides comparably to premium cab services, with a long-term goal to make them as affordable as auto-rickshaw fares. This pricing strategy is set to make urban air mobility available to a wider segment of the population.
Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder and CEO of Sarla Aviation, expressed the company's vision: "Shunya is more than a technological achievement, it embodies our vision to redefine urban mobility in India. By addressing challenges like traffic congestion and pollution, we aim to unlock India's economic potential while paving the way for a cleaner and more connected future. Our journey is deeply rooted in the ideals of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, as we work to create homegrown, world-class solutions that place India at the forefront of global aviation innovation."
The company’s recent financial boost comes from securing $10 million in Series A1 funding, spearheaded by Accel and supported by prominent angel investors such as Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. These funds will be pivotal in advancing their technology and setting up a top-notch research and development center.
Beyond passenger transport, Sarla Aviation is setting its sights on launching an air ambulance service at no cost. This service aims to offer quick medical responses, addressing urgent healthcare needs in urban settings, further demonstrating the startup's commitment to societal well-being alongside its ambitious urban mobility projects.
Sarla Aviation is on a mission to revolutionize urban mobility in India with its eVTOL aircraft, Shunya. By combining technological innovation with a vision of sustainable, efficient urban transport, the startup is poised to make a significant impact on India's urban landscapes and beyond.
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