InterGlobe Enterprises, which backs India's top airline IndiGo, and U.S.-based Archer Aviation will launch an all-electric air taxi service in India in 2026 that will be "cost-competitive" with on-road services, the companies said Thursday.
The partnership, should they get regulatory clearances, aims to capitalise on a growing need for transport solutions in the world's most populous country that is battling severe ground travel congestion and pollution in its main cities.
Archer Aviation, backed by the likes of Chrysler-parent Stellantis, Boeing and United Airlines, makes electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that have been touted as the future of urban air mobility.
These 'Midnight' e-aircraft can carry four passengers and a pilot for up to 100 miles (roughly 161 kilometers). The service aims to start with 200 aircraft and begin in Delhi, the national capital, Mumbai, the country's financial capital, and Bengaluru, known as India's Silicon Valley.
The companies said that a trip that typically takes 60 to 90 minutes by car in Delhi, for example, will take about 7 minutes in an air taxi.
InterGlobe Enterprises, which owns nearly 38% of IndiGo-parent InterGlobe Aviation as well as hospitality and logistics businesses, also plans to use the e-aircraft for cargo, logistics, medical, emergency and charter services.
Archer secured a $142 million-deal from the U.S. Air Force in July to provide six Midnight aircraft and said in October it would launch an air taxi service in the UAE.
Archer Aviation's shares were up 1.5% in U.S. premarket trading on Thursday, while InterGlobe Aviation's closed up 0.12% ahead of the news.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Indian Navy Submarine Collides With Fishing Boat Off Goa, 2 Fishermen Missing
Air Taxis A Reality Soon? What PM Modi Said Day When People Will Travel Using Drones Not Far, Says Nitin Gadkari Bumble Bee Flights Raises $37 Million, To Set Up Air Taxi Factory In Odisha "Thousand Times Better...": Delhi Lt Governor's Surprise For AAP's Atishi Maharashtra, Jharkhand Counting Today, Key Bypoll Results In 4 States 2 Children Strangled To Death In Bengaluru, Parents Blame Each Other: Cops Election Results 2024 LIVE Updates: Maharashtra Battle To Decide Real NCP, Sena Trump May Pick Ex-Intel Chief Richard Grenell As Special Envoy To Ukraine Trump Names Billionaire Hedge Fund Manager Scott Bessent As Treasury Chief Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.