Nikhil Goel, chief commercial officer at Archer Aviation, stated that India will be the world's largest market for Air taxis, and their arrival in 2026 will revolutionize urban travel. This announcement follows the California-based company's signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent firm of IndiGo, last year to introduce electric Air taxis in India, pending regulatory permits and clearances. Through this collaboration, they plan to own and operate 200 Archer 'Midnight' Air taxis, valued at $1 billion, via a joint venture.

Addressing Urban Congestion

Goel, speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, highlighted the growing difficulty of urban congestion in India, saying, “While cities are getting more populated, our transportation options are degrading. That burden is particularly profound right here in India, and that is what we are looking to address. I am confident that India will be not only one of, but perhaps the largest market for electric air taxis in the world.”

Air taxis
Image Source: OAG

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, sometimes known as air taxis, use electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically, just like a traditional helicopter. However, because they are electric, they emit fewer emissions and operate considerably more silently. Archer's Midnight, a piloted eVTOL capable of carrying four passengers, is designed for quick, continuous flights with minimal charging time between flights.

Archer is reaching the end of its commercial operations licensing process with the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States. The company has already gained Part 135 certification, which allows it to transport passengers in a way comparable to airlines. Archer intends to duplicate IndiGo's successful strategy in India, focussing on growing travel volume while lowering costs through economies of scale. Archer plans to debut its air taxi services in India, the third market after the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

According to CEO Adam Goldstein, Archer plans to start testing its electric air taxi in India next year, with commercial operations expected to begin in 2026.

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