Air India Ltd has partnered with SkyDrive Inc and Suzuki Motor Corporation to explore the use of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for medical air logistics in India, marking a significant step towards deploying advanced air mobility solutions in the country’s healthcare ecosystem.
The three companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to undertake a joint feasibility study that will assess the viability of using eVTOL aircraft for transporting time-critical medical supplies and supporting emergency healthcare logistics.
Addressing urban congestion
The collaboration comes as India’s rapidly growing cities continue to grapple with severe traffic congestion, which often delays the movement of life-saving medicines, organs, blood products and other critical medical supplies.
The partners aim to combine SkyDrive’s eVTOL technology, Air India’s aviation and operational expertise, and Suzuki’s deep understanding of the Indian market to develop a framework for last-mile emergency medical logistics.
The initiative seeks to strengthen India’s medical infrastructure by significantly reducing transit times during emergencies.
Building future-ready mobility
Air India Head of Cargo Ramesh Mamidala said India is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and advanced air mobility represents a natural extension of the country’s transportation ecosystem.
He said the collaboration reflects the partners’ shared ambition to develop next-generation mobility solutions that address real-world challenges. The use of eVTOL aircraft for medical logistics is particularly promising because it combines technological innovation with a meaningful social purpose, helping reduce critical transit times when every minute can save lives.
Mamidala added that Air India will contribute its operational expertise, airport infrastructure knowledge and stakeholder relationships to help develop a safe, reliable and scalable framework for eVTOL operations.
Transforming medical logistics
SkyDrive Inc Founder and CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said the company has been committed to advancing aerial mobility since its inception and views medical logistics as one of the most impactful applications for eVTOL technology.
He noted that India’s chronic traffic congestion makes the country an ideal market for advanced medical logistics, where the rapid transportation of high-value and time-sensitive medical supplies could significantly improve healthcare outcomes.
Expanding mobility ecosystem
Suzuki Motor Corporation Executive General Manager, Next Generation Business Development, Masao Fujitani said the eVTOL aircraft being developed by SkyDrive represents a new generation of mobility aligned with Suzuki’s philosophy of creating smaller, lighter and more efficient transportation solutions.
He said the company believes the aircraft can become an important component of urban medical infrastructure. Under its “By Your Side” corporate philosophy, Suzuki will continue to work with mobility partners such as SkyDrive and Air India to develop transportation solutions that improve people’s daily lives and contribute to regional development.
Feasibility study to shape roadmap
The feasibility study will evaluate the operational, technical and infrastructure requirements needed to deploy eVTOL aircraft for medical logistics in India.
If successful, the initiative could lay the foundation for the adoption of electric air mobility solutions in healthcare, creating faster, more sustainable and efficient emergency logistics networks in urban India.