India's air taxi initiative gains momentum as preparations kick off for a 2026 launch. Aviation authorities are spearheading the project, with US-based Archer on board for collaboration. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) aims for a 2026 rollout and assures affordability for travelers. Technical committees have been formed to oversee the project's implementation, starting with key cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with plans for expansion to Chennai and Hyderabad. InterGlobe Enterprises (IGE), in partnership with Archer Aviation, will develop infrastructure once regulations for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are established. IGE's chief has placed an order for 200 Midnight air taxis, valued at around one billion dollars. Archer plans to launch operations in the US before expanding to India and the UAE. The introduction of air taxis is expected to alleviate urban congestion significantly, akin to the transformative impact of mobile telephony in the 1980s. Regulatory progress is underway, with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issuing airworthiness criteria for Archer's Midnight aircraft. Indian aviation authorities will soon outline technical requirements for air taxi operations. Fare estimates suggest a slight premium over Uber rides, with fares projected to be around 1.5 times the cost of a comparable ground journey. Archer is gearing up for production at its Georgia factory and collaborating with Stellantis for global manufacturing, including in India. Major investors like United Airlines and Boeing are backing the project, which promises reduced emissions and noise pollution compared to conventional aircraft. (Source: ET)