India’s first electric air taxi service is set to launch in 2026, according to a joint announcement by InterGlobe Enterprises (IGE) and Archer Aviation. The service will be operated by IGE’s subsidiary, AirOne.
The air taxis will be manufactured by Archer Aviation, a California-based company that is developing a fleet of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The aircraft, called the Archer eVTOL, is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot. It has a range of 150 kilometers and can fly at speeds of up to 240 kilometers per hour.
IGE and Archer Aviation plan to launch the service with a fleet of 200 air taxis. The service will initially operate between Delhi and Gurugram, a distance of 27 kilometers. The travel time between the two cities is expected to be just seven minutes, compared to the current travel time of 60 to 90 minutes by car.
The air taxi service is expected to be a major disruption to the transportation industry in India. It could provide a faster and more convenient alternative to traditional modes of transportation, such as cars and buses. The service could also help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in India’s major cities.
“We are excited to partner with Archer Aviation to bring this innovative new transportation service to India,” said Aditya Ghosh, CEO of IGE. “The air taxi service will revolutionize the way people travel in India, making it faster, easier, and more sustainable.”
“We are thrilled to be working with IGE to launch our eVTOL service in India,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation. “India is a rapidly growing market with a strong demand for sustainable transportation solutions. We believe that our eVTOL service will be a game-changer for the Indian transportation industry.”
IGE and Archer Aviation are currently working with the Indian government to obtain the necessary approvals for the air taxi service. The service is expected to begin operating in 2026.