InterGlobe Enterprises, the supporter of India’s leading airline, IndiGo, and Archer Aviation, based in the U.S., are set to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. The companies claim that this service will be economically competitive with on-road transportation. Pending regulatory approvals, this partnership targets the rising demand for transportation solutions in the most populous country globally, addressing significant challenges like ground travel congestion and pollution in major cities.
Archer Aviation’s ‘Midnight’ E-Aircraft – Pioneering the Future of Urban Air Mobility in India
Archer Aviation, supported by companies such as Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, Boeing, and United Airlines, specializes in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, considered the future of urban air mobility.
The ‘Midnight’ e-aircraft developed by Archer has the capacity to transport four passengers and a pilot, covering distances of up to 100 miles (approximately 161 kilometers). The initial phase of the service plans to deploy 200 aircraft, initiating operations in major Indian cities like Delhi, the national capital, Mumbai, the financial capital, and Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley.
Revolutionizing Urban Transportation – InterGlobe and Archer’s Electric Air Taxi Venture in India
The companies indicated that a journey typically taking 60 to 90 minutes by car in Delhi, for instance, would be reduced to approximately 7 minutes when using an air taxi. InterGlobe Enterprises, holding almost 38% of IndiGo-parent InterGlobe Aviation, along with investments in hospitality and logistics, intends to utilize the electric aircraft for services such as cargo transport, logistics, medical assistance, emergency response, and charter services.
Archer secured a $142 million deal from the U.S. Air Force in July, committing to provide six Midnight aircraft, and later announced plans in October to initiate an air taxi service in the UAE. In the U.S. premarket trading on Thursday, Archer Aviation’s shares experienced a 1.5% increase, while InterGlobe Aviation’s closed with a 0.12% gain ahead of the news.
Image Source: Reuters