[AMG Power]

Traveling to Bengaluru airport amid the chaotic traffic of the city with an average commute time of approximately 1.5 hours is likely to be a thing of the past. According to reports, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Sarla Aviation, an aerospace component manufacturing company, recently signed a statement of collaboration to explore an air mobility option to travel from city to the airport.

With this partnership, according to Sarla Aviation, a journey of 1.5 hours to Bengaluru airport from the city can be reduced to just ‘five minutes’ through an electric powered seven-seater aircraft – eVTOL.

The eVTOL aircraft are designed to enhance urban transportation by offering quick, eco-friendly alternatives to road travel. These electric aircraft can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, carrying six passengers plus a pilot, and take only 15 minutes to charge between trips.

Source

[Jeroen]

We have seen a number of similar initiatives being announced all over the world. But I don’t think the world has a single commercial operational E-VTOL taxi anywhere yet.

But it’s good to see these initiatives, although I must admit I remain skeptical about the technical, operational and commercial challenges one would have to overcome. And that is after you actually have some sort of approval of your respective aviation authority.

Jeroen

[ajmat]

Frankly, it is a bit "pie in the sky" stuff at the moment.

• Sarla do not even have a proof of concept
• Never mind the design and prototyping costs, if this thing needs to go commercial, there will be a lot of validation test and expenses that would take a long time
• Battery technology is key - The KWH:Kg ratio needs to be spectacular. If this came from BYD who have the expertise, I would taken another look
• Like aircraft and taxis, utilisation is key. Imagine a 10 min ride followed by a 30 min recharge. (I might have got it wrong but take off thrust will need power!)
• 5 min to get to Bangalore but still 30 min to get exactly where you want. for example, while commuting, I take 29 min on the Metro to cover 13 km but 20 min to cover 3 km home!

Am surprised BIAL signed on this. Maybe they know something or it is a FOMO action

[SmartCat]

Partnership with BIAL is limited to them providing separate space for the air taxi to land and takeoff.

Sarla Aviation on Monday announced its partnership with BIAL to make Bengaluru India’s first eVTOL-friendly airport.

Going the article, the whole thing is still in feasibility study phase.

Older discussion about electric Air Taxi service to be launched by Indigo Airlines in New Delhi:
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/comme...00-3000-a.html (Indigo plans Delhi-Gurgaon Air Taxi service by 2026 | 7 min flight could cost Rs 2,000-3000)

Indigo will operate the air taxis between Connaught Place in Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The flight time is expected to be just 7 minutes and could cost around Rs 2,000-3,000. By road, it takes about 90 minutes to cover the 27 km distance and would cost about Rs 1500.

Archer Aviation will supply 200 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at a cost of US$ 1 billion. These can carry up to 4 passengers besides the pilot. The aircraft is powered by six battery packs, which can be charged in 30-40 minutes.