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IndiGo has taken a minority stake in Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation as it looks to enter the electric air taxi segment. The investment of around INR 10 crore was made through its venture arm and marks a renewed push into urban air mobility after an earlier global partnership did not progress. Sarla Aviation is developing a six-seater eVTOL aircraft and plans to launch services in Bengaluru by 2028. The company has already raised over USD 13 million and is also planning a large manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh.
IndiGo has acquired a minority equity stake in Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based startup working on electric air taxi technology. The investment of about INR 10 crore was made through the airline�s venture arm, as per regulatory filings, and signals its entry into the fast-evolving urban air mobility segment. Advertisement
Sarla Aviation, founded in 2023, is developing an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft named Shunya. The aircraft is being designed to carry up to six passengers, excluding the pilot, with a payload capacity of around 680 kg. The design is aimed at short intra-city travel, with operations expected to use existing infrastructure such as helipads at hospitals, hotels and commercial hubs. This approach is expected to reduce the need for large airport-like facilities in dense urban areas.
The startup is targeting Bengaluru as its first launch market and has indicated plans to begin air taxi operations by 2028. The funds from IndiGo are expected to support product development, team expansion and operational readiness. Sarla Aviation has already raised about USD 13.4 million so far, with backing from investors including Accel and Nikhil Kamath.
IndiGo�s move comes after its earlier attempt to enter this segment through a non-binding agreement with US-based Archer Aviation did not progress due to delays in execution timelines. The current investment suggests the airline is continuing to explore the segment through domestic partnerships.
The broader aviation industry has been increasingly focusing on eVTOL aircraft as a potential solution for urban congestion and sustainable transport. Several global airlines have either partnered with or invested in similar startups as part of long-term strategy planning. IndiGo�s investment aligns with this trend, while also allowing it to stay involved in early-stage developments without committing large capital.
Sarla Aviation has also outlined its long-term expansion plans. The company had earlier announced a proposal to invest around INR 1,300 crore in setting up an eVTOL manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. The planned facility is expected to support future production and scaling, if commercial operations take off as planned.
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