Flying into the future: Urban-Air Port sets sights on India’s AAM market as it teams up with local eVTOL developer
UK-headquartered Urban-Air Port has partnered with Nalwa Aero, marking its first collaboration with an Indian eVTOL OEM.
Amid the exponential growth of its aviation sector, India is…
July 27, 2025
UK-headquartered Urban-Air Port has partnered with Nalwa Aero, marking its first collaboration with an Indian eVTOL OEM.
Amid the exponential growth of its aviation sector, India is emerging as a key player in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) space. In September 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued comprehensive advisory guidelines outlining requirements for type certification, vertiport standards, airworthiness, pilot licensing and the integration of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles into existing air traffic systems. Nalwa Aero has since received Design Organisation Approval from the DGCA.
In line with these regulatory developments, the strategic partnership between vertiport developer, Urban-Air Port (UAP) – which is backed by investors including Hyundai Motor Group and Supernal – and eVTOL manufacturer Nalwa Aero aims to deliver scalable, purpose-built, and multimodal infrastructure to support India’s rapidly-growing aviation sector.
With India “handling 200 million passengers annually yet representing only 4% of global air traffic,” the country has “immense potential to leapfrog other nations by integrating AAM into its infrastructure rollout,” said Andrewa Wu, Urban-Air Port’s CEO.
The two companies will leverage each other’s expertise, combining Nalwa Aero’s innovative NALWA 5x eVTOL aircraft with Urban-Air Port’s vertiport infrastructure.
“Together we are delivering a flexible, sustainable and turnkey ‘eVTOL plus infrastructure’ solution that will propel India’s clean, future-ready Urban Air Mobily ecosystem,” UAP’s founder and chairman, Ricky Sandhu and Nalwa Aero’s CEO, Kuljeet Singh Sandhu, said in a joint statement.
Urban-Air Port stakes claim in India’s dynamic aviation market
Key objectives of the partnership include market expansion. With India’s aviation market expected to reach 480 million passengers by 2036, the partnership aligns with initiatives including the government’s Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme to develop regional connectivity.
“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,” said Ricky Sandhu.
The two companies will also pursue opportunities under the Indian government’s plans to develop 1,000 helipads and drone zones every 50km along national highways.
UAP will also demonstrate a physical showcase featuring its Air-One vertiport integrated with the NALWA 5X eVTOL. The vertiport developer showcased the first iteration of its Air-One “urban air port concept” in Coventry in the UK in 2022.
Three-phased approach
Initially the alliance will focus on the development of Indian market capabilities. The two companies will develop tailored market insights for AAM infrastructure. These will be based on operational requirements for aerial cargo, medical and passenger transport in both urban and regional settings.
They will also explore vehicle and infrastructure research and development (R&D), based on Nalwa Aero’s eVTOL, the NALWA 5X.
By the end of 2025, the two companies plan to have developed a regulatory engagement strategy to enable certified operations for cargo and passenger services. They also plan to have created a digital concept design for a standarised Nalwa-operated Urban-Air Port “showcase” Air-One vertiport.
Phase two, which will take place in 2026 will see the partners conduct technology, regulatory and business model de-risking activities, including ground and flight demonstrations. It will also see the development of operating safety standards products, production processes and operations.
In Phase three which is slated for 2026 and beyond, the two companies plan to deliver a fully integrated AAM infrastructure solution and service model, compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements. This will enable scalable, certified operations for cargo, commercial passenger, medical and defence applications.
The NALWA 5X
Nalwa’s five-seater eVTOL has a maximum cruise speed of 400km/h, a maximum altitude of 2,000m and a maximum flight duration of 90 minutes. The interior can be customised to suit diverse mission requirements from air taxis to cargo, medical and defence activities.
Powered by 12 electric motors, the eVTOL has 12 tilt-electric ducted fans strategically positioned across the wings and fuselage. These pivotable fans provide both vertical lift and forward thrust by changing orientation from 0-90 degrees. The evTOL is made from carbon fibre composite for a high strength and low weight ratio. Measuring 7.53m long by 7.15m wide and 2.5m high, the eVTOL’s compact size enables it access to confined spaces in urban environments. Describing eVTOLs as “the natural evolution of cleaner, safer and smarter mobility for all,” Nalwa Aero’s Ceo, Kuljeet Singh Sandhu, said: “Our mission is to make AAM 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.”
