India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India, during January 2025 conducted field studies across Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh in January 2025 aimed at assessing the feasibility of deploying electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other AAM solutions in real-world conditions.
According to the World Economic Forum: “The visit is part of larger Government agenda of developing world-class sandbox sites to attract both global and domestic OEMs to conduct field trials in India.
“Led by the Director of Civil Aviation, Mr. Shankhesh Mehta, the high-level delegation included representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and key industry stakeholders. The World Economic Forum’s C4IR India was represented by Vignesh Santhanam, India Lead for Aerospace, Drones and Space Economy. The primary objective of the visits was to identify potential locations for AAM sandbox sites, where controlled trials can be conducted over a 12 to 18-month period.”
According to the forum, in Gujarat, the delegation carried out detailed assessments at multiple locations:
- Mandvi, Kutch: A coastal airstrip was evaluated for its potential to support eVTOL operations.
- Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad: The team examined the water aerodrome, which features a floating platform and a functional helipad, as a possible hub for urban air mobility.
- The Amreli district has also been explored as part of the second phase of operations
- The Gujarat Civil Aviation Authority (GUJSAIL) hosted the delegation, culminating in a roundtable discussion chaired by the State Tourism Secretary, Dr. Rajendar Kumar. The discussions focused on the regulatory, infrastructural, and technological requirements necessary to operationalize AAM in the region.
In Andhra Pradesh, the delegation explored:
- Kurnool Airport: A key part of the proposed Orvakal industrial node, assessed for its ability to support AAM operations. Andhra Pradesh Drone City, Amaravati: A dedicated site for drone and AAM innovation, examined for its potential to serve as a testbed for advanced aerial technologies.
- Puttaparthi Airport: Evaluated for its feasibility to support future AAM operations, particularly in the context of regional connectivity.
“These field visits mark an important milestone in India’s journey towards AAM integration,” said the World Economic Forum in a website post. “By establishing sandbox sites, India aims to create an ecosystem that enables safe and efficient AAM deployment, aligning with the country’s broader Viksit Bharat objectives.”
For more information
https://initiatives.weforum.org/aviate-india/field-visits-aam