In a landmark moment for India’s aviation and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Punjab-based startup Nalwa Aero has become the first Indian company to secure a crucial regulatory license for air taxi services.
The company has been granted the Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its indigenous 5-seater electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This certification is a pivotal step that validates Nalwa Aero’s design, engineering, and safety protocols for larger-capacity eVTOLs, distinguishing it from projects limited to smaller drones.
Nalwa Aero, whose aircraft is named Aphulas, plans to launch commercial air taxi operations by 2028, initially targeting the Delhi-NCR region.
- Vehicle Specs: The 5-seater eVTOL is designed for both intra-city and inter-city travel, boasting a top cruise speed of up to 350 km/h and a range of up to 300 km on a single charge.
- Affordable Ambition: The company’s vision is to make Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) accessible, with plans to offer services starting at fares as low as ₹200 per flight.
- Beyond Taxis: The versatile eVTOL platform is also being developed for critical applications, including life-saving air ambulance services and rapid cargo transport, addressing the urgent need for faster medical access across the country.
The DOA certificate was formally presented to Nalwa Aero CEO Kuljeet Sandhu by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu at the North India Aviation Summit. The approval signals India’s readiness to embrace sustainable and future-ready urban air mobility solutions.
