In a bold leap toward the future of urban transportation, Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, has unveiled its first prototype electric air taxi, named “Shunya,” at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The milestone marks a defining moment in India’s aviation and mobility landscape — signaling the nation’s entry into the rapidly evolving field of urban air mobility (UAM).
Founded in October 2023 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation has quickly emerged as one of India’s most promising aerospace ventures. The startup recently secured USD 10 million in Series A funding, led by Accel, with participation from Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, underscoring strong investor confidence in its vision.
A Vision for Smarter, Greener Urban Transport
Sarla Aviation’s flagship project, Shunya, is designed as a zero-emission, all-electric flying taxi capable of short-range, on-demand air travel within and around urban areas. The company aims to launch commercial operations in Bengaluru by 2028, introducing India’s first network of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles for city commuting.
“Shunya is more than a technological achievement; it embodies our vision to redefine urban mobility in India,” said Adrian Schmidt, co-founder and CEO of Sarla Aviation. “By addressing challenges like traffic congestion and pollution, we aim to unlock India’s economic potential while paving the way for a cleaner and more connected future.”
Cutting-Edge Technology with an Indian Soul
The Shunya prototype features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, advanced autonomous navigation, and lightweight composite materials for greater efficiency. Powered by high-density electric batteries, the vehicle is designed to operate quietly and sustainably, making it ideal for congested metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Industry experts hailed the unveiling as a significant step forward in India’s aerospace innovation. “India is finally positioning itself among global leaders like Joby Aviation and Volocopter,” said an official from the Ministry of Civil Aviation attending the expo. “Projects like Shunya can transform how we think about urban mobility in the next decade.”
Backed by India’s Tech Titans
The startup’s strong investor lineup — including some of India’s most influential tech entrepreneurs — reflects growing confidence in deep-tech and clean mobility innovation. Binny Bansal praised the venture as “a pioneering step that combines India’s engineering talent with a bold global vision,” while Nikhil Kamath highlighted its potential to “revolutionize short-distance air travel and make it accessible to the masses.”
Looking Ahead
Sarla Aviation plans to begin flight trials by 2026, followed by safety certification and limited commercial deployment by 2028. The company is already in discussions with state and central government agencies to develop urban air corridors and vertiport infrastructure to support the rollout.
With Shunya, Sarla Aviation is not only reimagining the future of travel but also showcasing India’s capacity to innovate sustainably and competitively on the global stage.
