The skies over India are set to witness a revolutionary transformation in urban mobility. Bengaluru-based startup Sarla Aviation has officially begun ground testing for its half-scale electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) demonstrator, the SYLLA SYL-X1, marking a monumental step towards the launch of India’s first electric air taxi. With a planned commercial debut by 2028, Sarla Aviation is poised to redefine how we commute in bustling Indian cities, promising an innovative solution to escalating traffic congestion and pollution.
The Vision Behind the Flight: Sarla Aviation’s Ambitious Mission
Founded in October 2023 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation emerged with a clear and ambitious mission: to revolutionize urban transportation in India. Their goal is to offer affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly air mobility solutions that can drastically cut down commute times and reduce the environmental footprint in major metropolitan areas. This pioneering Indian startup has quickly garnered significant attention, securing approximately $13 million in funding through pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A rounds, demonstrating strong investor confidence in their groundbreaking vision. Their commitment extends beyond just manufacturing; Sarla Aviation is establishing a massive 500-acre air mobility facility in Thimmasamudram, Andhra Pradesh, dedicated to manufacturing, rigorous testing, pilot training, and ongoing maintenance.
From Concept to Reality: Ground Testing the SYLLA SYL-X1 Demonstrator
The journey from a bold concept to a tangible reality is paved with meticulous engineering and rigorous testing. Sarla Aviation recently commenced crucial ground testing for its SYLLA SYL-X1 demonstrator at its Bengaluru facility. This half-scale electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft boasts an impressive 7.5-meter wingspan, making it the largest and most advanced private eVTOL demonstrator currently under development in India. This phase is critical, moving beyond theoretical simulations and lab work to real-world validation of the aircraft’s structural behavior, propulsion integration, and overarching system-level safety architecture. This significant milestone firmly places India among a select group of nations actively developing next-generation vertical flight systems, underscoring the nation’s growing prowess in advanced aerospace technology.
Introducing “Shunya”: India’s Future Air Taxi
The much-anticipated full-scale prototype of Sarla Aviation’s electric air taxi was unveiled in January 2025 at the prestigious Bharat Mobility Global Expo, aptly named “Shunya.” This six-seater electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and five passengers, with a substantial payload capacity of 680 kg. Performance-wise, “Shunya” is engineered to achieve speeds of up to 250 km/h. Its flying range is specifically optimized for shorter, high-frequency trips of 20-30 km, which are ideal for urban commutes, though it can achieve a maximum range of up to 160 km. This focus on efficiency and speed is central to Sarla Aviation’s promise of significantly reducing urban commute times and offering a sustainable alternative to conventional ground transportation plagued by traffic congestion. While multiple sources refer to “Shunya” as Sarla Aviation India’s first electric air taxi, co-founder and CTO Rakesh Gaonkar emphasizes their dedication to building a certified, domestically designed, and safely operated aviation platform, highlighting the indigenous innovation driving this project.
The Road Ahead: Commercial Launch and Future Expansion
The ambitious timeline for Sarla Aviation India’s first electric air taxi sees commercial services commencing in Bengaluru by 2028. Following its initial launch, the company plans to expand operations to other major Indian cities known for their intense urban traffic, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune. This phased approach will allow Sarla Aviation to scale its operations strategically. However, like any pioneering venture in aviation, securing all necessary regulatory approvals remains a crucial step before passengers can experience this transformative mode of travel. The development of their dedicated air mobility facility in Thimmasamudram, Andhra Pradesh, will be instrumental in supporting these widespread operations, providing a centralized hub for manufacturing, advanced testing protocols, comprehensive pilot training programs, and efficient maintenance services, ensuring the long-term viability and safety of their electric air taxi fleet.
India’s Leap into the Future of Urban Air Mobility
Sarla Aviation is not just building an aircraft; they are pioneering a new era of urban transportation in India. The development and forthcoming launch of India’s first electric air taxi, the “Shunya,” represents a significant leap forward in addressing the pressing challenges of traffic congestion and pollution in metropolitan areas. With successful ground testing of the SYLLA SYL-X1 demonstrator, substantial funding, and a clear roadmap for commercial services by 2028 across cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune, Sarla Aviation is firmly establishing itself as a leader in next-generation vertical flight systems. As regulatory approvals move forward, the dream of affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly air travel is fast becoming a reality, positioning India at the forefront of global air mobility innovation
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