ANDHRA PRADESH'S LEAP INTO THE FUTURE OF AVIATION: THE SKY FACTORY AND BEYOND

The state of Andhra Pradesh has embarked on an ambitious journey to position itself at the forefront of India's aviation revolution.

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In a landmark move, the government has tied up with Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation to establish the 'Sky Factory', a ₹1,300-crore electric air taxi manufacturing plant in Anantapur. This project, announced at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Summit in Visakhapatnam, is not just another industrial investment—it represents a bold vision to transform the state into a hub for advanced aerial mobility, sustainable transport, and global aviation innovation.

THE PACT AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

The agreement was signed between Sarla Aviation, a company backed by private equity investor Accel, and the Andhra Pradesh Airport Development Corporation Ltd (APADCL). The announcement was made by Minister N. Lokesh Naidu, who emphasised that this would be India's first giga-scale electric air taxi manufacturing ecosystem.

For Andhra Pradesh, the pact is more than a financial investment. It signals the state's intent to embrace futuristic technologies, create high-skill employment opportunities, and establish itself as a pioneer in the emerging sector of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

WHAT THE SKY FACTORY WILL BUILD

According to APADCL, Sarla Aviation's Sky Factory will focus on developing a six-seater electric aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing without the need for a conventional runway. These aircraft will be able to hover, cruise at efficient speeds, and serve as intercity air taxis, drastically reducing commute times between major urban centres.

The vision is clear: to make short-haul air travel accessible, sustainable, and affordable, while simultaneously reducing congestion on India's overburdened road networks.

PHASE ONE: BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS