Punjab-based firm gets design approval for 5-seater electric air taxis capable of flying at 350 km/h

In a push for the government’s Atam Nirbhar Bharat drive and a major milestone for India’s aviation sector, Punjab-based organisation, Nalwa Aero, has received design approval for 5-seater electric air taxis capable of flying intra and inter city for maximum distance of 300 km. Nalwa Aero has become the first company in the country to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for eVTOL aircraft with five seats and above. The certificate was presented to CEO of Nalwa Aero Kuljeet Sandhu by the Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu at the at the North India Aviation Summit held recently.

Speaking about the approval, CEO of Nalwa Aero said: “This approval is not just a recognition of our technical capability but also a commitment to shaping the future of Urban Air mobility in India. By 2028, we aim to make eVTOL operations a reality, offering cleaner, faster, and safer ways to travel while supporting the nation’s sustainability and innovation goals.”
CEO Sandhu further shared that Nalwa Aero’s vision goes beyond Advanced Air Mobility—it’s about creating Affordable Air Mobility. The goal is to make air taxis accessible in India starting at just INR 200 and looking forward to begin its operations from Delhi - NCR.

He further highlighted the urgent need for innovation in healthcare, noting that around 500 people lose their lives on highways every single day due to lack of timely medical access. With eVTOL aircraft operating as air ambulances, this initiative aims to become a “life-saving service in the skies.”