Urban-Air Port, an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure company, has formed a partnership with Nalwa Aero, an Indian eVTOL developer, to create scalable and multi-modal AAM infrastructure that will support India’s growing aviation market and demand.
The partnership is expected to be delivered across three phases. The first focuses on the development of Indian market capabilities, looking into AAM infrastructure market insights and operational requirements, regulatory engagement strategy, and creating a digital concept for a showcase Air-One vertiport.
The second phase will look at demonstration in 2026, such as ground and flight demonstrations and the development of safety standards.
The final phase will take place from 2026 into the future and aim for the deployment of a fully integrated AAM infrastructure solution that fulfils all legal and regulatory requirements and enables the certified operation of cargo, medical, passenger, and defence applications.
“India’s aviation market, the third-largest globally, is poised for exponential growth, driven by a burgeoning middle class, rising disposable incomes, and government initiatives like UDAN,” said Andrea Wu, CEO of Urban-Air Port. “Handling 200 million passengers annually yet representing only 4% of global air traffic, India has immense potential to leapfrog other nations by integrating AAM into its infrastructure rollout. This partnership positions us to lead that transformation.”
“It is a great privilege to enter India’s dynamic aviation market, home to the world’s fastest-growing airline, IndiGo,” commented Ricky Sandhu, Founder and Executive Chairman of Urban-Air Port. “We are thrilled to partner with Kuljeet and the Nalwa Aero team, whose leadership in AAM, exemplified by their Design Organisation Approval from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), aligns perfectly with our pioneering approach. By combining Nalwa Aero’s deep market connections with Urban-Air Port’s vertiport expertise, we are well-positioned to support the Government of India’s ambitious AAM vision.”
India’s aviation market is expected to grow to 480 million passengers by 2036 and hold a market value of USD 25 – 40 billion by 2030-2033. With this steep curve of development, the Indian government has its own plans to develop 1,000 helipads and drone zones every 50 kilometres along its national highways.
“At Nalwa Aero, we view eVTOLs as the natural evolution of air travel—cleaner, safer, and smarter mobility for all,” added Kuljeet Singh Sandhu, CEO of Nalwa Aero. “Our mission is to make Advanced Air Mobility affordable and accessible to every Indian. Partnering with Urban-Air Port, a global leader in AAM infrastructure since 2017, enables us to scale our business with a full-stack solution of eVTOL aircraft and landing infrastructure, tailored to the needs of the government, our clients, and the Indian market.”
