India is set to join an elite group of nations by launching an on-road vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air ambulance service across the country. A significant milestone in this initiative is the signing of a non-binding agreement valued at over $1 billion. Under this deal, an IIT-Madras-based electric aircraft startup, ePlane Company, will supply 788 air ambulances.
Deployment of eVTOL Air Ambulances
The 788 eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) air ambulances will be delivered to ICATT, India’s leading air ambulance firm. These aircraft will be deployed across India to facilitate emergency medical transport. The initiative aims to address the growing challenge of traffic congestion in Indian cities while ensuring efficient and timely medical assistance.
A Step Towards Sustainable Medical Transport
The introduction of eVTOL air ambulances highlights India’s commitment to sustainability. As electric vehicles, these aircraft will minimize environmental impact while enhancing emergency healthcare accessibility. The eVTOL market in India has seen increasing attention in recent years, with government initiatives aimed at easing airspace restrictions to facilitate drone and eVTOL operations.
ePlane Company’s Vision and Expansion Plans
ePlane Company is planning to commence air ambulance operations by the last quarter of 2026. The firm currently can produce 100 units per year. Its founder, Satya Chakravarthy, stated in an interview that the company is also seeking an additional $100 million in funding to further develop and test other eVTOL prototypes. The company has already raised $20 million from investors.
Design and Capabilities of the eVTOL Air Ambulances
ePlane Company is working on three air ambulance prototypes tailored to diverse geographic and population density requirements. Each aircraft will accommodate a pilot, a paramedic, a patient, and a stretcher, along with essential medical equipment. The air ambulances will have a top speed of 124 miles per hour.
Future Prospects of Air Ambulance Services in India
The company emphasized that scaling up air ambulance operations is a more feasible approach than launching air taxis immediately. He noted that the company could integrate air ambulances into the market more organically before expanding into the air taxi segment. The initiative marks a transformative step in India’s medical transport sector, offering faster and more efficient emergency care solutions.
