BluJ's air taxi vision cleared for takeoff

Hydrogen cargo flights by 2026, with passenger travel expected by 2030

- SHINE JACOB

An air taxi service between Hyderabad-Warangal, Bengaluru-Mysuru, Chennai-Pondicherry, and Mumbai-Pune, covering these routes in under 39 minutes, may soon be a reality, thanks to plans by Hyderabad-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startup BluJ Aerospace.

The company aims to launch its first hydrogen-powered cargo flight by 2026, with passenger flights anticipated by 2030. As an initial step, BluJ showcased the flying capabilities of its prototype autonomous eVTOL at Nadirgul Airfield on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Monday. The demonstration aircraft, powered by batteries and carrying no cargo, is the largest privately developed aircraft ever built in India.

"Our long-term vision is to build regional air transport to reduce travel time and expand connectivity. The first product we're developing is for cargo applications, where we plan to carry 100 kilogram (kg) of payload over 250 kilometre (km). Eventually, we aim to scale up to passenger aircraft," said Amar Sri Vatsavaya, co-founder and chief executive officer of the company.