Welcome to the future – we're building teleportation like networks for public transport in India
Introducing Sarla
It was never about a person; it was always about a nation.
- PM Shri Narendra Modi
Shunya
Introducing the worlds most economical Flying Taxi - Shunya
Sarla-Aviation is redefining the future of mass transportation by prioritizing safety, purpose-driven performance, and accessibility.
Our commitment to these core values positions us to offer the world's most economically viable flying taxi.
Unlocking limitless possibilities with the largest flying taxi cabin ever designed
Shunya’s interior sets a new standard with the most modular and spacious cabin in the world. Available in multiple configurations it adapts to various needs—from comfortable passenger travel to efficient cargo transport.
We will also offer a dedicated ambulance version, designed for rapid medical response, ensuring both flexibility and functionality for every mission.
6 Seats - The every day ride
4 Seats - Elevated experiences
Cargo Configuration
The category leader has arrived
For over 10 years, global technology companies have developed the capabilities to build efficient EVs, whether on the road or in the sky.
Now, it's time to apply those learnings to create what matters most to the people we serve: an affordable, fast, safe, and clean way to reach your destination.
Shunya is precisely that.
Simplicity Matters
We tirelessly refine Shunya's design to enhance safety and reduce costs, ensuring flying taxis become a viable mode of mass transportation. Simplicity drives every decision, enabling us to develop Shunya as the world’s most economically viable flying taxi.
Our commitment to reducing design complexity stems from a principle that the best part is no part. Fewer components mean fewer points of failure, lower maintenance requirements, and significantly improved safety. This approach also makes our services more accessible, as reduced complexity directly translates to lower ride prices, broadening affordability.
Simplicity at Sarla is rooted in first-principle design thinking, a method that breaks challenges into fundamental truths and builds innovative solutions from the ground up. This philosophy has led to a revolutionary design process, where each element of Shunya is evaluated for necessity, function, and impact, resulting in a radically better architecture of our flying taxi.
Take off and land vertically, cruise like a bird
Shunya can take off from any flat surface, whether on top of a building or in a rural area, making it the most infrastructure-efficient mode of mass mobility ever.
When transitioning into forward flight, Shunya glides effortlessly on its wings, ensuring maximum range and comfort for all travelers.
Company
A Team of true visionaries united by impact
We are returned expats, visionaries, believers, and experts in our fields. We thrive on hard challenges and live for impact.
United by our ambition to change the world, we believe this century belongs to our homeland, India.
Global Brain Gain
We are witnessing a remarkable shift as top innovators return to India. At Sarla, this trend is evident with over 30% of the team comprising professionals who previously worked at global pioneers like Lilium, Joby, Tesla, and Volocopter. This return is not just a career choice; it reflects India's growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge innovation and economic dynamism.
As of 2024, India’s startup ecosystem is world’s third-largest. Government initiatives like Startup India and Make in India are providing fertile ground for entrepreneurs and technologists to leverage their global expertise while contributing to the nation’s development. This shift aligns with India’s rise in high-impact industries like climate tech, mobility, and AI, which have driven a 40% increase in returning professionals since 2020.
For Sarla Aviation, this convergence of global expertise and local ambition is fueling transformative innovation in urban mobility. As India positions itself as a global technology leader, returning talent is playing a pivotal role in shaping industries and creating lasting impact. For those abroad, the message is clear: there has never been a better time to return and be part of India’s ascent.
Our Founders
Our three co-founders are united by the passion to change the world for a better tomorrow and by the firm belief that India is where the future of Earth's civilization will be decided. While Shivam Chauhan (left) gained his experience from working with Joby Aviation before building Sarla, Rakesh Gaonkar (middle) and Adrian Schmidt (right) developed their expertise at Lilium in Germany. All three come from different backgrounds in the flying taxi industry, making them the perfect team to build India’s future in eVTOL technology right from the heart of Bengaluru.
Sardar Vallabhai Patel
"The unity of the nation is paramount, and for that, we must put aside our differences. It is only when we work together with a spirit of harmony that we can overcome even the most formidable challenges. Remember, it is not the size of the task but the strength of the collective will that determines success."
Sarla Thakral - Inspiring us every day
Our venture is named after Sarla Thakral सरला ठकराल, a true trailblazer and India’s first female pilot. In 1936, at just 21, Sarla earned her pilot’s license, fearlessly navigating an era when aviation was dominated by men. Her journey inspired countless others to dream big.
By embodying Sarla’s pioneering legacy, we aspire to create a future as bold and visionary as Sarla herself.
Careers
Have an Impact on the Future of Humanity
We are home to visionaries, innovators, and problem-solvers. We seek those who challenge the norm, create transformative solutions, and shape the future.
Join the future.
Build the future.
Be the future.
Your work makes the difference
How we are building the dream team.
Open Roles
News
Masterplan
We build flying taxis for mass transportation in India
Just as cars once transformed the United States, we are set to transform Bharat by leapfrogging to flying taxis—the natural solution for our densely populated nation.
Affordable, safe, quiet, and clean, this is the future of mass mobility in India, enabling the entire population to actively participate in our flourishing economy.
Phase One
Phase Two
Phase Three
Dramatically better at moving you
Sarla will enable radically faster travel than existing alternatives of urban transportation in India.
The Masterplan
Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder and CEO, about the future of Sarla.