ePlane Partners with TCS to Revolutionize Urban Air Mobility with AI and Electric Aviation

ePlane Partners TCS To Develop Electric Air Mobility Solutions

This development comes two months after ePlane secured $14 Mn in its Series B funding round Chennai-based urban air mobility startup The ePlane Company has partnered with Tata Group-owned IT giant Tata Consultancy Services to develop electric air mobility solutions for passenger and cargo transportation. The companies have jointly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signifying their commitment to work on sustainable aviation solutions. With this partnership, ePlane will employ its urban mobility innovations in compact eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, while TCS will support with its expertise in AI, data analytics and IoT (Internet of Things), in order to address issues such as inefficiency, congestion and environmental sustainability. ePlane said in a statement that this partnership emphasises sustainability and scalability by developing a supplier-buyer framework and integrating renewable energy sources to ensure the long-term sustainability of the electric aviation ecosystem while enhancing its operational efficiency. Founded in 2019 by Satya Chakravarthy, The ePlane Company is focused on creating compact, lightweight, and sustainable solutions for urban mobility. It is currently developing e200x, an eVTOL aircraft designed to provide faster intra-city commutes and cargo transport, and reduce traffic congestion in urban centres. The startup has two different brands within its business structure - ePlane and Amber Wings. "This collaboration with TCS aligns perfectly with our mission to redefine urban transportation by creating efficient and sustainable electric air mobility solutions. By leveraging TCS's expertise, we can scale our operations, enhance our technological capabilities, and bring the future of air mobility closer to reality," said Vishnu Ramakrishnan, founder's office at ePlane. This development comes two months after ePlane secured $14 Mn in its Series B funding round, to obtain global regulatory certifications and advance its commercialisation plans. Also, it aimed to use the funds in developing and certifying its manned aircraft, with flight testing scheduled for mid-2025.

Chennai-based ePlane, TCS Partner to Transform Urban Air Mobility

The partnership leverages The ePlane Company's innovations in compact eVTOL aircraft and TCS's expertise in AI and data analytics. Chennai-based urban air mobility (UAM) startup 'The ePlane Company', which manufactures compact flying electric taxis, has entered into a strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). This collaboration aims to advance sustainable electric air mobility solutions for passenger and cargo transportation, marking a significant milestone in the development of electric aviation. The partnership leverages The ePlane Company's innovations in compact eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and TCS's expertise in AI, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Together, they aim to address pressing urban challenges such as congestion, inefficiency, and environmental sustainability. As part of the MoU, the startup will showcase its innovative aircraft designs and technologies, while TCS will contribute its strengths in digital transformation to optimise air mobility systems. "This collaboration with TCS aligns perfectly with our mission to redefine urban transportation by creating efficient and sustainable electric air mobility solutions," said Vishnu Ramakrishnan, founder's office at The ePlane Company. The partnership also emphasises sustainability through renewable energy integration and a supplier-buyer framework modelled after a "Keiretsu" system. Initiatives include tailored solutions for TCS customers, participation in innovation-focused events like TCS PacePorts, and proof-of-concept projects to accelerate the adoption of air mobility systems. Harrick Vin, CTO of TCS, said that the partnership reflects their vision of leveraging technology for a sustainable future. Founded by Satya Chakravarthy and Pranjal Mehta in 2019, and incubated at IIT Madras, The ePlane Company aims to revolutionise urban transportation with its flagship eVTOL aircraft, the e200x, offering faster and more sustainable urban commutes.