Air India Backs SkyDrive Emergency Medical eVTOL Plans

Air India has agreed to help Japanese eVTOL aircraft developer SkyDrive assess the feasibility of using its three-seat SD-05 model for emergency medical flights in India. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on July 31, along with SkyDrive’s existing financial backer and partner, Suzuki Motor Corporation.

The Indian flag carrier will provide operational expertise to help its Japanese partners assess how last-mile emergency medical logistics might be better delivered using eVTOL aircraft in crowded cities. Suzuki Motor Corporation is a major manufacturer of cars and electric vehicles in India.

“The potential application of eVTOL aircraft for medical air logistics is particularly compelling because it combines technology and purpose, helping to reduce critical transit times when every minute can make a difference,” said Air India’s head of cargo, Ramesh Mamidala. “We are pleased to contribute to this feasibility study with our operational expertise, airport infrastructure knowledge, and stakeholder relationships to help evaluate and develop a framework for safe, reliable, and scalable eVTOL operations.”

Thai Air Taxi Plans

The alliance with Air India was announced a few days after a new partnership between SkyDrive and Bangkok Airways. Along with SPI and Saha Tokyu, the airline will support efforts to develop air taxi routes connecting the Thai capital Bangkok, as well as Sri Racha and tourist destinations such as Koh Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Last week, the Japanese government designated eVTOL aircraft as a key technology in the Aviation and Space Strategic Field section of the country’s growth strategy. SkyDrive said the cabinet-level policy statement will support public-private collaborations to establish an advanced air mobility market in Japan.