India’s ePlane, in collaboration with Empire Aviation Group, is set to revolutionize urban air mobility with an all-electric zero-emission air taxi. Founded by Professor Satya Chakravarty and Pranjal Mehta in 2019, ePlane has raised $20 million to date through investors. The partnership aims to deploy electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) air-taxis and air-ambulances across India, UAE, Thailand, and Indonesia. With a vision of the first commercial flight in 2026, ePlane plans to transition from human-piloted to autonomous operations as regulations permit.
Revolutionizing Urban Air Mobility
The collaboration between ePlane and Empire Aviation Group marks a significant milestone in the advancement of electric air taxis. Professor Satya Chakravarty, the CEO of ePlane, brings a wealth of experience from heading the National Centre for Combustion Research (NCCRD) at IIT, the world’s largest combustion research center. His leadership, combined with Pranjal Mehta’s expertise, has propelled ePlane to the forefront of the urban air mobility revolution.
Empire Aviation Group, with over 25 years of experience in the charter aviation industry, lends its operational expertise and safety protocols to ePlane’s innovative electric air taxi venture. This partnership aims to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable urban air mobility solutions across multiple geographies. As ePlane seeks an additional $100 million for development, maintenance, and repair services, the stage is set for a groundbreaking transformation in the transportation industry.
Shaping India’s e-Taxi Hub Ambitions
The Indian government’s proactive stance, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in exploring opportunities for eVTOLs underscores the country’s ambitions as a global e-taxi hub. ePlane’s recent deal to supply 788 air ambulances to the International Critical-Care Air Transfer Team (ICATT) highlights the growing demand for electric air mobility solutions. With a focus on environmental efficiency and disruptive innovation, ePlane is poised to challenge traditional aviation norms, particularly in the realm of noisy and less compact helicopters.
eVTOLs represent a key pillar in the broader push towards advanced air mobility (AAM), with ePlane at the forefront of this transformative wave. Competing against California-based Archer and other players like BluJ Aero and Sarla Aviation, ePlane’s distinctive focus on safety, efficiency, and aerodynamic design sets it apart in the evolving landscape of urban air transportation. As the first private Indian company to receive Design Organisation Approval (DoA) for an electric aircraft from India’s DGCA, ePlane is paving the way for a new era of sustainable aviation.
Looking ahead to 2026, ePlane’s journey from human-piloted to autonomous operations symbolizes a paradigm shift in the future of urban air mobility. With a commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that prioritize safety and innovation, ePlane is poised to redefine the skies and shape the future of transportation.
