Flying taxis in Kochi? CIAL initiates talks; how they differ from helicopters

Kochi: At a time when the global aviation industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability, the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is mulling ways to make air travel and urban mobility greener and faster. CIAL is exploring the possibility of integrating eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft into mainstream urban mobility, offering efficient, eco-friendly, and rapid transit solutions.  

Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based innovator in eVTOL technology, has approached CIAL, introducing 'Shunya’, the first eVTOL of its kind in the country and a proposal to transform the state's urban and regional air mobility through flying taxis. CIAL and Sarla Aviation are exploring potential collaboration opportunities. 

Payal Satish, Sarla Aviation's vice-president of business development and strategy, said that the future of mobility lies in air taxis, and Kerala has excellent potential for such services. She expressed interest in setting up an operational hub at CIAL, noting that flying taxis are a fantastic solution for connecting pilgrimage and tourist destinations.

"The talks on collaboration with CIAL are in the primary stage. Kerala offers strong potential, especially given its mix of international and domestic tourism. Travellers often spend hours by road to reach destinations from Kochi, and eVTOLs can help shorten that journey to under 30 minutes. Over time, this could mean easier access to places like Thekkady, Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kovalam, making travel more seamless and efficient,” Satish told Onmanorama. She was in Kochi to attend the Kerala Aviation Summit 2025, organised by CIAL and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. 

CIAL confirmed that Sarla Aviation has done a detailed presentation. “They introduced their eVTOL and explained how it works. They also explained vertiports, which are the takeoff and landing sites for eVTOLs, similar to a heliport. Further discussions will be held,” top CIAL sources said. 

What are eVTOLs? 
Think of it as a cross between a drone and a helicopter, but powered by electricity. Unlike traditional airplanes, eVTOLs don't need a runway to take off or land; they can lift off and descend vertically, similar to a helicopter. They use multiple electric motors and rotors, which makes them much quieter and more environmentally friendly than conventional aircraft. 

Sarla Aviation's ‘Shunya’
Shunya by Sarla Aviation is a prototype eVTOL air taxi, designed for intra-city travel and as India's first flying taxi to address urban congestion and pollution. It can carry one pilot and up to six passengers, with a 160 km range and a top speed of 250 km/h. The testing of a half-scale prototype is underway, and a full-scale prototype will be tested next year. Sarla Aviation plans to launch Shunya in Bangalore by mid-2029, with future expansions to other major Indian cities.

Are eVTOLs cheaper than helitaxis? 
Satish said eVTOLs will be more affordable than helitaxis, which are already in service in Kerala. “eVTOLs are electric, with simpler motors. They recharge quickly, and 'Shunya' is designed for maximum utility—capable of flying up to 160 km, but optimised for short 20–30 km trips. With just a 20-minute charging break between flights, it can operate back-to-back services. All of this makes it cheaper to run and better suited for frequent urban routes. Over time, that means flying in an eVTOL will be far more affordable than a helicopter, closer to the cost of a regular taxi fare,” she said.

Sarla Aviation has already signed an agreement with Bengaluru International Airport to create an integrated ecosystem for eVTOL operations. The collaboration aims to establish a seamless network for eVTOL aircraft, which will operate from the airport, connecting major urban centres and reducing traffic congestion. It is learnt that the company is exploring the possibility of a similar deal with CIAL. However, Satish said it is too early to comment on it.