ePlane and ICATT Secure USD 1 Billion Agreement for 788 eVTOL Air Ambulances.

Economy Business | Dated: 19 Feb 2025

On February 17, 2025, the ePlane Company, an electric aircraft startup incubated by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), signed a USD 1 billion deal with Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based ICATT (International Critical-Care Air Transfer Team), India's leading air ambulance firm, to supply 788 Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) air ambulances.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The eVTOL air ambulances aim to revolutionize urban mobility by developing battery-powered aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing, reducing dependency on congested road networks.
  • - The first fleet of air ambulances is expected to commence operations by late 2026, with ePlane producing 100 units annually.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The eVTOL air ambulances are designed for fast, efficient, and eco-friendly medical transport, addressing delays in road ambulances. With an 8-meter wingspan, they can take off and land in constrained spaces like rooftops and small fields, making them ideal for both urban and rural deployments.
  • (ii) The eVTOL air ambulances can operate at a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour (km/h) with an initial range of approximately 110 km, extendable to over 200 km.
  • (iii) India's growing eVTOL market includes emerging players such as Archer Aviation Inc. and Sarla Aviation Private Limited.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which company recently signed a USD 1 billion deal for 788 eVTOL air ambulances along with ICATT?

Correct Answer: ePlane

🚀 Quick Recap:

About ePlane Company

  • CEO : Satya Chakravarthy
  • Headquarters : Chennai