IIT-Madras incubated ePlane receives DGCA certification for its e200X airtaxis

The ePlane Company, an IIT-Madras-incubated startup, announced that it has received Type Certification for its e200X aircraft, which meets the highest safety and operational standards for commercial service. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted formal acceptance for the Type Certification of its electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The startup is also in the process of acquiring a certification for DGCA for the propeller to be used on the e200X, marking a first of its kind in the Indo-Pacific region, ePlane said.

With plans to launch its eVTOL services by 2026, ePlane could be one of the first startups to offer certified air taxi services in India. The company is targeting the movement of over 5,00,000 people daily within three years.

ePlane founder Satya Chakravarthy, a professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT-Madras said this milestone is a step forward for Indian aviation. He added that this will provide solutions to urban mobility and show India’s commitment to fostering innovative and sustainable air mobility solutions.

“ePlane has spent the last 18 months since receiving Design Organisation Approval from the DGCA in May 2023 preparing for this moment. We have worked with stakeholders to develop operational frameworks, forge partnerships, and build the infrastructure needed to support eVTOL services,” he said.

According to the startup, the e200X aircraft features a compact wingspan that reduces infrastructure needs, making it accessible to diverse regions across India and similar markets globally. “By utilising local supply chains, ePlane has also reduced production costs, offering a cost-effective solution for consumers,” Chakravarthy added.

The startup stated that its product meets global aviation standards, unlocking opportunities for expansion across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, parts of Africa, and the United States.