India Identifies Five Locations for eVTOL Field Trials as Part of Advanced Air Mobility Push
India has selected five locations for the field trials of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a significant step toward the country’s embrace of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). These trials, expected to span 12-18 months, are set to run through 2026 and will help develop the infrastructure and regulatory framework for future air transport systems in the country.
The five sites under consideration are Mandvi in Kutch, Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Amreli in Gujarat, and airports in Kurnool and Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh. These locations are expected to evolve into world-class “sandbox” environments, allowing both domestic and international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to carry out controlled flight trials. The goal is to foster the development of AAM technologies, including eVTOLs, which are expected to revolutionise urban air transport in the near future. Representatives from key stakeholders in the aviation industry, including startups in the AAM sector like ePlane, BluJ, and Nalwa, as well as private jet and helicopter service provider JetSetGo, joined the government delegation in evaluating these locations. According to officials, this field visit is a major milestone in India’s journey to integrate AAM into its transportation infrastructure.
The trials are an integral part of India’s broader vision of becoming a leader in Advanced Air Mobility, which seeks to provide efficient, sustainable, and rapid transport solutions. eVTOLs are expected to serve as air taxis, offering an alternative to traditional road-based transport, especially in congested urban areas. Countries like the US, China, and the UAE have already taken significant strides in creating ecosystems for such technologies, with commercial services expected to launch in the coming years. The trials in India are part of a larger push to ensure the country stays at the forefront of innovation in the aviation sector. The initiative aligns with India’s “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) mission, which aims to harness technology to improve the nation’s infrastructure. By establishing these designated sites for trials, India intends to create an environment where AAM can flourish, benefiting both the industry and the public.
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) are closely involved in this initiative. Additionally, the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution has been pivotal in promoting the integration of AAM into India’s transportation ecosystem. The government’s emphasis on safety and regulation is clear, as evidenced by the recent release of airworthiness criteria for eVTOL operations and guidelines for vertiports—designated landing and take-off areas for these aircraft. The eVTOL field trials are expected to help refine the technology, ensuring that the aircraft meet safety and operational standards before they are introduced on a commercial scale. This will also give stakeholders a chance to assess the viability of eVTOLs in real-world conditions, making it easier to address challenges such as infrastructure, public perception, and regulatory hurdles.
As the trials progress, India aims to foster a thriving AAM ecosystem that could have a transformative effect on urban mobility. With trials expected to run until 2026, the success of these projects will depend on collaboration between the government, industry leaders, and the public. If successful, eVTOLs could become a key component of India’s transportation network, offering a green and efficient alternative to current modes of transport. The trials in Kutch, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh are just the beginning, with further advancements expected as India sets the stage for an aviation revolution that could dramatically improve travel times, reduce traffic congestion, and offer environmentally friendly solutions to India’s growing urban challenges.
