India plans to revolutionise emergency medical transportation with the deployment of Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) air ambulances. This effort places India at the forefront of modern air ambulance technology.
The $1 billion agreement between the IIT-Madras-based ePlane Company and ICATT, a renowned air ambulance service provider, marks a significant milestone in achieving this goal. According to the agreement, 788 eVTOL flying ambulances will be deployed in all Indian districts.
These electric air ambulances will drastically shorten response times in medical crises, especially in congested urban areas where traditional ambulances face traffic delays. Unlike helicopters, eVTOLs provide a quieter, more environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative.
The aircraft will carry a pilot, a paramedic, and a patient with life-saving medical equipment. With a maximum speed of 200 km/h and a range of up to 200 km per charge, they are suited for short and medium-distance medical missions.
The government is loosening airspace laws to encourage eVTOL operations, which will boost innovation in urban air mobility. ePlane expects to begin operations in late 2026, producing 100 air ambulances per year. The business has secured $20 million and is seeking an additional $100 million for research and certification.
