Bengaluru, 17 Apr, (CXO Media): Bengaluru-based air taxi startup draws airline backing as urban mobility bets grow. India’s largest airline IndiGo has invested Rs 10 crore in Bengaluru-based startup Sarla Aviation, marking its entry into the emerging electric air taxi segment.
The investment was made through IndiGo Ventures in January, according to regulatory filings. The move places IndiGo among global airlines exploring early-stage investments in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology, which is being developed for short-distance urban travel.
Founded in 2023, Sarla Aviation is developing a hybrid-electric eVTOL aircraft designed for urban transport. Its proposed aircraft model, named Shunya, is planned to operate as a flying taxi service. The company has indicated that Bengaluru is the target launch market, with operations expected around 2028.
The Shunya aircraft is designed to carry six passengers and one pilot. In addition to passenger operations, the aircraft is also being developed with a cargo configuration capable of carrying payloads of up to 680 kilograms.
Sarla Aviation has raised about $13.4 million across five funding rounds so far. In January 2025, the startup secured $10 million in funding led by Accel, with participation from investors including Binny Bansal, Nikhil Kamath and Sriharsha Majety.
The investment comes as multiple Indian startups are working to establish early positions in the urban air mobility segment. Companies such as The ePlane Company and BluJ Aerospace are also developing eVTOL platforms aimed at future urban and regional transport use cases.
Globally, airlines have begun investing in similar technologies. Companies such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have secured funding support from major airlines and automotive firms, indicating growing industry interest in the long-term potential of air taxi services.
