Co-founder Adrian Schmidt told ET that the proceeds will be used to further prototype development, establish an R&D center and expand the workforce. The company aims to launch the product on the market by 2028.
Other angel investors who participated in this funding round include Abhiraj Singh Bhal (Urban Company), Abhishek Goyal (Tracxn), Ramakant Sharma (LivSpace), Sujeet Kumar (Udaan), Manish Agarwal (Kratos), Sandeep Nailwal ( Polygon).
Last year, Sala Aviation partnered with Bangalore International Airport to facilitate the launch of air taxi services.
Founded in 2024 by engineers Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar and Shivam Chauhan, the company will unveil its first flying taxi prototype at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi on January 17. “Shunya” is released. The aircraft is designed to carry a weight of up to 680 kilograms and can seat six passengers, excluding the pilot.
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“We plan to use this funding round to advance Shunya’s prototyping, build components, and ensure we are on track to build our flying taxi and launch it in 2028.” Schmidt said. The company plans to introduce the service in the following cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Pune aim to tackle urban challenges such as traffic congestion and pollution.
Ticket prices will be about a quarter of what Western competitors cost, Schmidt said. Sala Aviation also plans to launch a free air ambulance service.
The funding comes as India’s aviation authority lays the groundwork to introduce air taxis by 2026. In September 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued guidelines for obtaining airworthiness certification for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, promoting advanced technology. We provide air mobility solutions while ensuring safety and reliability.
Meanwhile, Indigo’s parent company Interglobe Enterprises has already ordered up to 200 air taxis from California-based aerospace company Archer.
Prior to this round, Sala Aviation raised $1.7 million in a seed funding round in March 2024, also led by Accel.
“Sara Aviation’s vision of affordable flying taxis addresses critical urban challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution and the need for rapid medical response,” said Pratik Agarwal, principal at Accel. say.
