Air India, eVTOL aircraft developer SkyDrive and Suzuki Motor Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for medical air logistics in India.
The feasibility study will examine how eVTOL technology could support the transport of time-critical medical supplies, helping to overcome severe traffic congestion in India’s major cities and improve last-mile emergency medical logistics.
Ramesh Mamidala, head of cargo at Air India, said: “India is today one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets, and we see advanced air mobility as a natural extension of the country’s transport ecosystem.
“The potential application of eVTOL aircraft for medical air logistics is particularly compelling because it combines technology and purpose, helping to reduce critical transit times when every minute can make a difference.”
Air India will contribute operational expertise, airport infrastructure knowledge and stakeholder relationships to help evaluate a framework for safe and scalable eVTOL operations.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, founder and chief executive of SkyDrive, said the partnership marks a step towards transforming medical logistics in India.
“In India, where chronic congestion is a pressing issue, utilising eVTOLs for advanced medical logistics – including the transport of high-value, time-critical medical supplies – will reshape medical infrastructure,” he said.
Suzuki, which already collaborates with SkyDrive on technology development, said the project aligns with its ambition to provide diverse mobility solutions.
Masao Fujitani, executive general manager of next generation business development at Suzuki Motor Corporation, said: “We believe it [the eVTOL aircraft] has the potential to play a role in supporting medical infrastructure in urban areas.”
Urban Logistics 2027 takes place on 9–10 June 2027 at Excel London. The event will examine the future of urban freight, with a focus on electric van adoption, commercial vehicle charging infrastructure, zero-emission HGVs and the practical realities of fleet transition. For exhibitor information, contact urbanlogistics@akabomedia.co.uk for more information.
