Blade India, Jaunt Sign MoU to Launch eVTOL Operations in India by 2027

Blade India and AIRO Group Holdings subsidiary Jaunt Air Mobility have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) centered around the introduction of eVTOL operations in India by 2027. 

The two parties have agreed to establish air taxi services in the Indian subcontinent with supporting infrastructure, which includes recharging stations.

Under the partnership, Blade India also intends to purchase 150 Jaunt Journey four-passenger aircraft and has the option to buy an additional 100 over the next decade.

Jaunt’s all-electric eVTOL combines helicopter and fixed-wing flight capabilities for enhanced safety, less noise, and better operational efficiency. It is also looking to obtain Transport Category certification, which is similar to that of commercial airplanes. 

“With Blade’s first mover advantage in nurturing the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem in India and Jaunt’s technical expertise, this partnership is well poised to pioneer the transition to electric and revolutionize the transportation system,” Amit Dutta, Managing Director, Blade India, said. 

Simon Briceno, Chief Commercial Officer, Jaunt, acknowledged that the partnership will introduce an economical and highly accessible mode of transportation to the people of India.

“Our collaboration with Blade India and our clear path towards aircraft certification means that the Indian public will soon be able to benefit from the development of a new safe, affordable, and accessible mode of transportation,” he said. 

Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, Chairman and co-founder of AIRO, echoed Briceno’s sentiments, saying: “Jaunt’s MoU with Blade India demonstrates AIRO’s commitment to bringing innovative air mobility solutions to the people of India.”

Blade India started operating helicopter flights in November 2019 and offers its services in major cities such as Mumbai, Shirdi, Pune, and Bengaluru, as well as the state of Goa. It has a five-strong fleet that comprises Airbus H125 and Bell 206 light helicopters, but plans to replace them with eVTOLs that will be used to service short-haul routes. The company has already put the wheels in motion to achieve this by placing an order for up to 200 eVTOLs from Eve Air Mobility, Embraer’s eVTOL subsidiary, in September 2022. 

During last month’s Helicopter Investor conference in London, Blade Air Mobility’s president and general counsel, Melissa Tomkiel, highlighted India as a key market for the company, along with New York and France.

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