+
ePlane Secures DGCA Approval for Type Certification
ECONOMY & POLICY

ePlane Secures DGCA Approval for Type Certification

The electric aircraft developed by the startup ePlane Company has received acceptance for type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This makes it the first Indian private company to gain approval under the new rules for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft issued in September last year.

The DGCA had earlier issued airworthiness criteria for type certification of vertical takeoff and landing-capable aircraft (VCA) and specified requirements for vertiports (terminals) used by these aircraft.

Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, the founder of ePlane Company, shared that the company has achieved several milestones, including acceptance for testing eVTOLs in India and testing propellers for the first time in the Indo-Pacific region. He stated that the startup aims to complete its test flights by the end of 2026. He explained that multiple prototypes would be developed, and cumulative flying hours would be logged to demonstrate compliance.

The company plans to offer services such as air ambulances, cargo planes, chartered flights at tourist destinations, and air taxis in major metropolitan areas. Prof. Chakravarthy explained that the aircraft is spacious enough to accommodate an air ambulance with a stretcher that can be wheeled inside. He highlighted the company’s focus on partnerships with hospitals, vertiport builders, charging infrastructure providers, and charter operators. Additionally, collaborations with real estate players for vertiport construction, airports, and logistics providers are in early stages.

Currently, testing is being conducted exclusively in India as the global regulatory framework for eVTOLs is still evolving. Prof. Chakravarthy noted that the Indian market is particularly suited for this technology due to inadequate city infrastructure and higher traffic volumes compared to advanced economies.

He also expressed optimism about the business's viability compared to traditional air ambulances. He pointed out that helicopters face high maintenance and fuel costs, resulting in lower patronage and asset utilisation. He added that the company aims to make services more affordable, aligning with what insurance companies are currently willing to cover.

The electric aircraft developed by the startup ePlane Company has received acceptance for type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This makes it the first Indian private company to gain approval under the new rules for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft issued in September last year. The DGCA had earlier issued airworthiness criteria for type certification of vertical takeoff and landing-capable aircraft (VCA) and specified requirements for vertiports (terminals) used by these aircraft. Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, the founder of ePlane Company, shared that the company has achieved several milestones, including acceptance for testing eVTOLs in India and testing propellers for the first time in the Indo-Pacific region. He stated that the startup aims to complete its test flights by the end of 2026. He explained that multiple prototypes would be developed, and cumulative flying hours would be logged to demonstrate compliance. The company plans to offer services such as air ambulances, cargo planes, chartered flights at tourist destinations, and air taxis in major metropolitan areas. Prof. Chakravarthy explained that the aircraft is spacious enough to accommodate an air ambulance with a stretcher that can be wheeled inside. He highlighted the company’s focus on partnerships with hospitals, vertiport builders, charging infrastructure providers, and charter operators. Additionally, collaborations with real estate players for vertiport construction, airports, and logistics providers are in early stages. Currently, testing is being conducted exclusively in India as the global regulatory framework for eVTOLs is still evolving. Prof. Chakravarthy noted that the Indian market is particularly suited for this technology due to inadequate city infrastructure and higher traffic volumes compared to advanced economies. He also expressed optimism about the business's viability compared to traditional air ambulances. He pointed out that helicopters face high maintenance and fuel costs, resulting in lower patronage and asset utilisation. He added that the company aims to make services more affordable, aligning with what insurance companies are currently willing to cover.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India’s Quality Control Orders Expand Rapidly, Says Minister Goyal

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal highlighted the substantial growth in India’s Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which have increased from 14 orders covering 106 products in 2014 to 156 covering 672 products over the last decade. Speaking at the 75th anniversary celebration of SGS in India, held in New Delhi, he noted the government’s ongoing efforts to introduce broader horizontal and product-specific standards to ensure that goods and services made in India meet global benchmarks.Reaffirming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect,” ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

INC WMC Meet Charts Greener Mine Closure Path

The Indian National Committee of the World Mining Congress (INC WMC) has wrapped up its international conference on “Sustainable and Responsible Mining through Best Mine Closure Practices” in Hyderabad. The gathering drew policymakers, industry leaders, environmental specialists, academics and other stakeholders from India and abroad to exchange global expertise on responsible mine shutdowns.Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, the event’s patron, outlined a vision for a greener, safer mining future and reaffirmed government backing for rigorous environmental standards. Sen..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

PM Modi Receives Trinidad & Tobago’s Top Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the "Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago," the Caribbean nation’s highest civilian honour, during a special ceremony held at the President’s House in Port of Spain. President H.E. Christine Carla Kangaloo ORTT awarded the distinction in recognition of PM Modi’s statesmanship, leadership on Global South issues, and his contribution to advancing ties between India and Trinidad & Tobago.He is the first foreign leader ever to receive this prestigious award. Accepting it on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, the Prime Minister ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?