Archer Aviation: Delhi-Gurugram Air Taxi Fare to be 1-1.5x of Uber
Archer Aviation Plans to Launch Affordable Air Taxi Service in India
Archer Aviation, in partnership with Rahul Bhatia’s Interglobe Enterprises (IGE), aims to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. The service is anticipated to significantly reduce travel time and provide a premium yet affordable mode of transportation.
According to Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer at Archer Aviation, the air taxi fare from Central Delhi to Gurugram is estimated to be between Rs 2,000-3,000, which is 1-1.5 times the cost of an Uber ride. The convenience of air travel would significantly reduce the commute time from 90 minutes by road to just seven minutes.
The company emphasizes affordability while leveraging lower labor costs in India for pilots and maintenance. Additionally, Archer is in the process of certifying its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, named "Midnight," by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by the end of 2024.
Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, believes that India holds immense potential as the largest eVTOL market globally, owing to its large population, rapid development, and inclination towards new technologies.
Regulations regarding pilot training, establishment of vertiports (equivalent to airports), and airspace usage by eVTOL aircraft will be modeled after FAA guidelines, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) committed to aligning with FAA regulations.
Archer plans to launch services on airport commuter routes, major commute routes, and leisure routes, with potential routes including Connaught Place to Gurugram and connections between Noida and Agra. The partnership between IGE and Archer aims to finance the purchase of up to 200 Midnight aircraft for the Indian market, with details of the joint venture expected to be finalized later this year.
The company is also in the process of establishing its office in India and collaborating with Interglobe on developing vertiports across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. With the support of Indian airport operators, Archer is optimistic about overcoming space constraints and creatively utilizing available land parcels for infrastructure development.
While specific investment figures are yet to be disclosed, both Archer and Interglobe are committed to substantial investments in India, signaling their confidence in the potential of the air taxi service market.
Disclaimer: This article is a fictional rewrite based on provided information. It should not be considered as official news. For accurate and up-to-date information, readers are advised to refer to credible sources and official announcements.
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