NEW DELHI — In a bid to realise the dream of air taxis and transform urban
mobility in India, the country’s first flying taxi prototype, called ‘Shunya’,
has been unveiled at the ‘Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025’ here.
Precision manufacturing firm Sona SPEED signed a memorandum
of understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation towards this goal.
Sarla Aviation is developing India's most sophisticated
electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD
Kumaraswamy, visited the Sarla Aviation booth, and showed keen interest in the
flying taxi prototype, considered a historic step toward sustainable and
futuristic mobility in the country.
Sona SPEED motors have been part of several space missions
of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The agreement positions Sona
SPEED as a key partner in revolutionising urban air mobility in the country.
“This partnership is a significant step in Sona SPEED’s evolution
as a hub for aerospace innovation. Together, we aim to shape a cleaner, faster,
and more efficient future for urban transportation,” said Chocko Valliappa, CEO
of Sona SPEED.
Under the MoU, Sona SPEED will utilise its state-of-the-art
facilities in Karnataka to design and manufacture critical components, like the
motors and landing gear among others for Sarla Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft.
"Sona SPEED’s expertise in precision engineering
perfectly complements our vision for electric flying taxis. This collaboration
reinforces our mission to redefine urban mobility with cutting-edge eVTOL
technology,” said Rakesh Gaonkar, CEO of Sarla Aviation.
The development highlights India’s growing aspiration in
sustainable urban air mobility and underscores the importance of synergies in
driving innovation.
Focused on developing eVTOL aircraft, Sarla Aviation aims to
transform urban mobility with faster, cleaner, and more efficient
transportation solutions.
The company plans to initiate test flights and develop additional
prototypes, with a market launch targeted for 2028.
