Bengaluru-based startup Sarla Aviation has received Design Organisation Approval from the DGCA, allowing the firm to advance the development of its electric air taxi aircraft. This milestone marks a key step in the company's long-term plan to launch commercial eVTOL operations in India by 2028. Investors should note that Sarla Aviation is a private, unlisted entity.
Bengaluru-based electric air taxi startup Sarla Aviation has secured Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This certification, granted under CAR 21 Subpart J, formally recognizes the company’s design and engineering processes for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This approval acts as a regulatory green light, allowing the company to proceed toward type certification for its prototype, the 'Shunya'.
For market participants, it is essential to distinguish this entity from publicly traded firms. Sarla Aviation is a private, unlisted company and is not related to any listed entities, such as Sarla Performance Fibers Ltd. The progress made by the company serves as an indicator of the growing indigenous aerospace technology sector in India, rather than a direct investment opportunity on the stock exchanges.
To build its ecosystem, the startup has announced several strategic partnerships across the healthcare, energy, and infrastructure sectors. These include collaborations with Manipal Hospitals and Aeromed Air Ambulance for medical logistics, as well as partnerships with companies like Jio-bp and the Prestige Group to develop the necessary infrastructure, such as charging stations and vertiports. Such partnerships are vital, as the success of air taxis depends not just on the aircraft technology, but on the ability to integrate into existing urban infrastructure.
Technologically, the company is aiming to fill a significant gap in urban mobility. Its current design features a pilot-plus-six-passenger configuration, powered by electric propulsion. The company has stated that it is following a structured prototype development cycle, with its next major milestone expected in early 2027. The broader ambition is to commence commercial operations by 2028.
While the DGCA approval is a positive step for indigenous design, the industry faces significant hurdles. The eVTOL sector is capital-intensive and requires long timelines to transition from successful prototyping to mass production. Companies in this space must navigate a complex regulatory environment where certification standards are still evolving. Additionally, the viability of air taxis depends on the widespread development of air traffic management systems and the ability to maintain profitability while scaling operations. Investors and industry observers monitoring this sector will focus on whether the company can maintain its current development pace and successfully secure the next level of aircraft certification required for commercial flight.