Air taxis from Delhi to Gurugram soon! Check fare details and other information

If reports are to go by, InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, and US-based Archer Aviation are all set to introduce an all-electric air taxi service in India by 2026. This service will be used to transport passengers from Connaught Place to Gurugram in just 7 mins.

Reports have it that as part of this partnership, Archer Aviation will be providing 200 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Each aircraft will be able to accommodate four passengers in addition to the pilot. These aircraft function similarly to helicopters, but with significantly reduced noise levels and enhanced safety measures.

Under their collaborative venture, InterGlobe and Archer Aviation will also launch similar taxi services in Mumbai and Bengaluru, in addition to Delhi.

As regarding the price range, the official in the know-how anticipated that the cost of the air taxi service in Delhi will likely range from INR 2,000 to 3,000 for a seven-minute flight using their five-seater eVTOL aircraft from Connaught Place to Gurugram.

Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, noted that ongoing talks with the US regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggest that the certification process for their aircraft is at an advanced stage. They anticipate certification next year, after which the company will commence the certification process with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India.

Goldstein further added that the company anticipates commencing flights in India by 2026 and aims to deploy 200 of its Midnight planes for operations. Initially, Archer Aviation will concentrate on Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

According to Goldstein, a car typically takes around 90 minutes to cover the 27-km distance between Connaught Place and Gurugram, at an approximate cost of Rs 1,500, which will soon change with the launch of the air taxis.

Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer Aviation, revealed that the five-seater Midnight aircraft will comfortably accommodate a pilot and four passengers. The plane, equipped with six battery packs, will recharge fully in 30-40 minutes, with one minute of charging providing one minute of flight time.

Also, the company is currently in discussions with various entities regarding the required infrastructure and operational aspects of the flight, including real estate for vertiports or launchpads and other essential facilities needed to start the flight operations.