Revolutionizing Healthcare: India Unveils Game-Changing Vertical Take-Off Air Ambulances with IIT Startup’s $1 Billion Breakthrough

New Delhi:

India is preparing to launch a groundbreaking air ambulance service using vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. A deal worth over $1 billion has been finalized with ePlane Company, an electric aircraft startup based in IIT-Madras. This agreement will see the delivery of 788 air ambulances.

These air ambulances will be handed over to ICATT, India’s top air ambulance provider, who will use them to serve every district in the country.

This initiative is crucial as urban areas in India struggle with heavy traffic. The eVTOLs will initially focus on medical emergencies, providing quick transport while reducing the environmental impact since they are electric.

Interest in India’s eVTOL market has grown significantly. The government is also considering adjustments to airspace regulations to support eVTOL and drone operations for transport and delivery.

Several startups are leading the way in India’s eVTOL landscape, including Archer Aviation, Sarla Aviation, and ePlane Company. Companies like Uber are testing prototypes for air taxis, offering a potential solution for commuters facing traffic congestion in big cities.

ePlane Company plans to start air ambulance operations by late 2026. According to founder Satya Chakravarthy, the company aims to produce 100 units each year. Currently, they are seeking an additional $100 million to develop and certify other eVTOL prototypes, having already raised $20 million from investors.

The company is designing three prototypes tailored to different regions and population needs. Each air ambulance will carry a pilot, a paramedic, a patient, and a stretcher, equipped with essential medical devices. These aircraft can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h, with a range of 110 to 200 kilometers on a single charge.

Chakravarthy emphasized the need to focus on air ambulances first. “We can ramp up our production and make a real impact much more effectively with air ambulances than jumping straight into air taxis,” he noted.

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