Adrian Schmidt (Sarla Aviation): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Adrian Schmidt is a notable figure in the aviation industry, particularly known for his role as co-founder and CEO of Sarla Aviation, an aerospace startup based in India. Founded in January 2024 with partners Rakesh Gaonkar and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation aims to revolutionize urban transportation through electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying taxis. Schmidt's work is gaining attention for addressing urban congestion and pollution, promising to make air mobility affordable and efficient.

1. Early Beginnings

Adrian Schmidt, a German native, started his career in the aviation industry with experience at renowned companies such as Lilium, where he honed his skills in developing electric aircraft. His background in transportation design from Hochschule Pforzheim University and strategic management from The New School provided him with the expertise to embark on the innovative journey of Sarla Aviation.

2. Sarla Aviation's Founding Vision

The inception of Sarla Aviation in 2024 was inspired by the growing congestion in India's urban landscapes. Adrian Schmidt co-founded the company with the vision to provide clean, fast, and affordable transportation alternatives to road-based systems. Named after India's first female pilot, Sarla Thukral, the startup aligns with a tribute to pioneering women in aviation.

3. Electric Flying Taxis: The Game Changer

Sarla Aviation’s flagship product, Shunya, is designed to redefine mobility with its electric flying taxis capable of carrying six passengers plus a pilot over short urban distances. This innovation promises to slash travel times significantly and operate at a cost competitive with ground ride-hailing services. The prototype is set to launch at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January 2028.

4. Key Features of Shunya

Shunya stands out with its environmentally friendly design, using four double-isolated battery packs powering seven motors. It supports a payload capacity of 680 kg and reaches speeds up to 250 km/h. Uniquely, it offers rapid charge cycles to maximize utility in busy cities like Bengaluru.

5. Market Reception and Funding

In January 2025, Sarla Aviation secured $10 million in a Series A1 funding round led by Accel, with participation from notable investors like Binny Bansal of Flipkart and Nikhil Kamath of Zerodha. This funding aims to accelerate R&D, prototype development, and team expansion to further advance their flying taxi project.

6. Strategic Partnerships

Sarla Aviation has strategically partnered with Bangalore International Airport to facilitate the infrastructure needed for its eVTOL services. This collaboration is a significant step towards transforming Kempegowda International Airport into a hub for urban air mobility.

7. Potential for Urban Transformation

The implementation of Sarla Aviation's flying taxis is poised to address critical urban challenges such as traffic congestion and pollution, offering a sustainable travel solution. This innovation reflects an important trend towards smarter, more efficient urban mobility solutions in India.

8. Sustainability and Economic Impact

Sarla Aviation is committed to sustainability, integrating recycled materials and efficient electric technologies that contribute to reduced emissions and operational costs. This commitment is critical for long-term urban sustainability strategies in India.

9. Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Adrian Schmidt’s vision for Sarla Aviation includes scaling operations to other major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune, and expanding services to include an air ambulance. By 2035, Schmidt anticipates that flying taxis could become a widespread mode of mass transportation.

10. A Pioneer in Modern Mobility

Adrian Schmidt continues to be an influential leader in the aviation industry as he pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in urban transportation. His commitment to innovation and sustainability positions Sarla Aviation as a frontrunner in the burgeoning eVTOL market.

Conclusion

Adrian Schmidt and Sarla Aviation exemplify pioneering innovation in the realm of urban air mobility. With strategic investments and partnerships, the company is poised to transform how cities handle transit congestion and pollution. With forthcoming launches, it marks an exciting leap forward not just for India, but the global stage of urban transportation.