Sarla Aviation Begins Testing India’s Largest Private eVTOL 'Sylla SYL-X1' in Bengaluru

The future of urban mobility in India took a vertical leap this week as Sarla Aviation successfully commenced ground testing of its electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the Sylla SYL-X1.

With a 7.5-meter wingspan, the Sylla SYL-X1 is officially India’s largest private eVTOL demonstrator, marking a critical milestone in the race to launch commercial "flying taxis" by 2028.

The Breakthrough: What is the Sylla SYL-X1?

The aircraft currently under testing is a half-scale demonstrator designed to validate the company's aerodynamic and electric propulsion technology. Unlike smaller drone prototypes, this aircraft is a substantial step toward a passenger-carrying vehicle.

• Development Speed: The prototype was built in just 9 months.

• Technology: It features vertical take-off capabilities similar to a helicopter but transitions to wing-borne flight for efficiency like an airplane.

• Future Scale: The data gathered from these tests will be used to build a full-scale, 7-seater version with a 15-meter wingspan.

The "Bengaluru Traffic" Solution

Sarla Aviation, founded by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, is directly targeting India's most congested corridors. The company has previously outlined a vision to transform the notorious commute from Bengaluru City to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

• Current Travel Time: 2–3 hours by road during peak traffic.

• Sarla Aviation Target: 19 minutes.

• Projected Cost: Approx. ₹1,700 per passenger (comparable to premium cab fares).

Strategic Backing & Manufacturing

The startup has garnered significant attention and capital, securing roughly $13 million (approx. ₹116 Crore) in funding from heavyweights including Accel and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath.

Looking beyond the prototype, Sarla Aviation is laying the groundwork for mass production. The company recently announced plans to invest ₹1,300 Crore to establish a 500-acre manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to produce up to 1,000 aircraft annually once operational.

Expert Insight

"This milestone reflects what is possible when globally experienced Indian engineering teams build with rigour, patience, and world-class standards," said Rakesh Gaonkar, Co-founder & CTO of Sarla Aviation.

FAQ (Schema Markup Opportunity)

Q: Is Sarla Aviation's flying taxi real?

A: Yes, Sarla Aviation has built and is currently testing a functional half-scale prototype named Sylla SYL-X1 in Bengaluru as of December 2025.

Q: What is the price of a Sarla Aviation air taxi ticket?

A: The company estimates a fare of roughly ₹1,700 for a trip between Bengaluru city and the airport, significantly cheaper than traditional helicopter charters.

Q: Who are the founders of Sarla Aviation?

A: The company was founded by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan.