In a landmark achievement for India’s aviation sector, Nalwa Aero has become the first organisation in the country to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with five seats and above.

The approval, announced by founder Kuljeet Sandhu, marks a crucial step toward building homegrown, sustainable air mobility solutions. Expressing his gratitude, Sandhu acknowledged the support of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, MoCA Secretary Shri Samir Kumar Sinha, and DGCA Director General Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai in enabling this breakthrough.

With this regulatory nod, Nalwa Aero is set to accelerate development of its 5-seater eVTOL air taxi, designed to revolutionize short-distance intercity and intracity travel. Unlike traditional aircraft, eVTOLs are quieter, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly, making them ideal for addressing urban congestion in India’s busiest metros.

Globally, innovators like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are pioneering eVTOL adoption. Nalwa Aero’s achievement positions India alongside these leaders, paving the way for a domestic ecosystem of futuristic aviation technologies. The company now plans to advance prototype development and trials, bringing electric air taxis closer to reality in India.