Industry Urges PLI scheme to Boost Domestic Electric Air Taxi Production
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Industry Urges PLI scheme to Boost Domestic Electric Air Taxi Production

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly known as air taxis, represent the next significant advancement in air mobility. Across the globe, prototypes are being tested while regulatory frameworks are still in their formative stages. Countries like China, the US, and the UAE are actively preparing for this emerging mode of transportation. In India, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recommended that the government extend the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to support domestic manufacturing of eVTOLs.

Currently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation offers the PLI scheme for manufacturing drones and their components.

To establish a foundational framework for Advanced Air Mobility, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently issued airworthiness criteria for eVTOL operations and guidelines for developing vertiports, which are designated facilities for landing and take-off.

Indian aviation companies are making strides to bring eVTOL operations to the country. InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Archer Aviation, a California-based eVTOL manufacturer, aiming to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026.

In 2023, Hunch Mobility partnered with Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of aerospace manufacturer Embraer, to introduce eVTOL flights in Bengaluru. Eve’s eVTOL aircraft is expected to become operational in 2026.

DGCA, in its advisory circular, had outlined that existing heliports, airports, runways, or airstrips could also be repurposed for developing vertiports. Dutta suggested that these facilities should be located near metro stations or airports to ensure seamless connectivity between eVTOL services and other transportation modes.

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly known as air taxis, represent the next significant advancement in air mobility. Across the globe, prototypes are being tested while regulatory frameworks are still in their formative stages. Countries like China, the US, and the UAE are actively preparing for this emerging mode of transportation. In India, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recommended that the government extend the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to support domestic manufacturing of eVTOLs. Currently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation offers the PLI scheme for manufacturing drones and their components. To establish a foundational framework for Advanced Air Mobility, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently issued airworthiness criteria for eVTOL operations and guidelines for developing vertiports, which are designated facilities for landing and take-off. Indian aviation companies are making strides to bring eVTOL operations to the country. InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Archer Aviation, a California-based eVTOL manufacturer, aiming to launch an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. In 2023, Hunch Mobility partnered with Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of aerospace manufacturer Embraer, to introduce eVTOL flights in Bengaluru. Eve’s eVTOL aircraft is expected to become operational in 2026. DGCA, in its advisory circular, had outlined that existing heliports, airports, runways, or airstrips could also be repurposed for developing vertiports. Dutta suggested that these facilities should be located near metro stations or airports to ensure seamless connectivity between eVTOL services and other transportation modes.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Develop 30,000 Women-Led Enterprises by 2025

The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department is accelerating efforts to create sustainable livelihoods for women in urban areas, in line with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s goal of fostering one lakh women entrepreneurs by 2025. Under this initiative, the MAUD Department has set a target to establish 30,000 women-led enterprises across towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh. To support this vision, the department plans to establish Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for women in TIDCO housing complexes. Vacant plots across 163 colonies have been earmarked ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

G Kishan Reddy discusses mining expansion, clearances with Chhattisgarh CM

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy met Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday to expedite land acquisition and environmental clearances for mining projects. Reddy, who was on a two-day visit to review operations at South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), discussed measures to boost mining-led economic growth in the state. Key topics included speeding up land acquisition for mine expansions, obtaining quicker environmental approvals, and setting up integrated rehabilitation and resettlement sites. The minister also highlighted the importance of developing critical minerals in the region, alo..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NITI Aayog's Vision for India's Auto Industry

NITI Aayog has launched the report titled "Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains," offering a roadmap for the country’s automotive future. Released by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, the report outlines key strategies to grow India’s automotive sector to $145 bn in component production by 2030. India is currently the fourth-largest automobile producer globally, but with only a modest three per cent share in the global automotive component market. The report emphasises the need to strengthen India’s position through competitive manufacturing, skill d..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?