News eVTOL
Blade, Jaunt form partnership to launch eVTOL operations in India

FlyBlade India, a joint venture between Hunch Ventures, Blade Air Mobility and Jaunt Air Mobility, an AIRO Group company, outlined a new strategic partnership aimed at launching electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations in India and the subcontinent region by 2027.

The partnership includes Blade India’s intended acquisition of 150 Jaunt Journey aircraft, with an option to order another 100 aircraft to meet the projected demand over the next decade. Jaunt Air Mobility is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with design and manufacturing located in Montreal, Quebec.

Blade India has established short haul mobility services in cities across India. Jaunt is developing its all-electric Jaunt Journey, an aircraft that combines helicopter and fixed-wing flight capabilities. Jaunt is pursuing a Transport Category certification for its aircraft, equivalent to that of commercial airliners.

The companies expect to collaborate in specific areas that are key to support future short-haul mobility operations. Their plans include Blade India working with Jaunt and its partners to explore development of key infrastructure capabilities in aircraft charging and energy distribution technologies. In turn, Jaunt intends to use Blade India’s existing short haul operational and customer experience to support the development of the Jaunt Journey aircraft and its integration into the Indian airspace.

“With its vast expanse and increasing congestion, India is one of the biggest markets in the world for AAM solutions,” said Amit Dutta, Managing Director, Blade India. “With Blade’s first mover advantage in nurturing the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem in India and Jaunt’s technical expertise, this partnership is well poised to pioneer the transition to electric and revolutionize the transportation system.”