Connaught Place to Gurugram in Just 7 minutes! Top Airline IndiGo’s Parent Firm Fixes Launch Date of Air Taxis In New Delhi
Photo : PTI
Interglobe Aviation Ltd, NSE: INDIGO, the parent company of India’s leading airline has collaborated with US-based Archer Aviation to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India. The joint venture aims to revolutionize urban transportation by offering efficient, eco-friendly air travel solutions to people commuting between Delhi and Gurugram.
Delhi – Gurugram Air Taxi Launch Date and Route
The ambitious air taxi service is set to commence operations between New Delhi and Gurugram as early as 2026. Passengers can expect a swift journey from Connaught Place in the heart of the national capital to Gurugram in just seven minutes, significantly reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity between these two bustling cities.
Delhi – Gurugram Air Taxi Fare
The cost of a seven-minute flight aboard the five-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, from Connaught Place to Gurugram, is estimated to be between Rs 2,000 to 3,000.
Archer Aviation Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, revealed to news agency PTI that discussions with the US regulator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are underway, with the certification process for their aircraft nearing completion. The company anticipates receiving certification next year, following which they will initiate the certification process with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India.
The eVTOL aircraft, known as the Midnight plane, boasts impressive features including reduced noise levels and enhanced safety measures. With a capacity to accommodate four passengers and a pilot, the aircraft offers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. Each plane will be equipped with six battery packs, allowing for quick charging times of 30-40 minutes, translating to approximately one minute of flight time per minute of charging.
Future Prospects
With a vision to deploy 200 Midnight planes for operations, Archer Aviation aims to transform urban mobility and set new benchmarks in the aviation industry. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the joint venture seeks to redefine the future of air transportation in India, making it more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Expansion Plans
In addition to the Delhi-Gurugram route, InterGlobe and Archer Aviation plan to expand their services to other major metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. This expansion reflects their commitment to providing convenient aerial transportation options across key urban centers in India. The plane, which will have six battery packs, will get fully charged in 30-40 minutes and one minute charge broadly translates to one minute of flight, its Chief Commercial Officer Nikhil Goel told PTI.
Archer Aviation will be having a joint venture with InterGlobe Enterprises and the final contours are being worked out. The US company is also in discussions with various municipalities with respect to infrastructure and other aspects of the flight operations. Goel said it will use the full strength of InterGlobe, which is a conglomerate, and the joint venture might choose partners for the eVTOL operations in India.
Discussions are also going on with respect to the real estate space required for vertiports or the launchpads and other infrastructure for starting the flight operations.
