Businessman Rajiv Bansal Takes on Strategic Advisor Position at Air-Taxi Company Sarla Aviation
Rajiv Bansal, a seasoned aviation professional with over 30 years of experience in policy and operations, has joined Sarla Aviation as a strategic advisor. This move is set to bolster Sarla Aviation's efforts in navigating regulatory hurdles and paving the way for commercial viability.
Bansal, the former Civil Aviation Secretary and ex-Managing Director of Air India, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. His expertise will be instrumental in strengthening Sarla Aviation's engagement with regulatory bodies, airports, city governments, and other stakeholders, both within India and internationally.
In his new role, Bansal will lead regulatory strategy, guide the company's interaction with civil aviation authorities, and support Sarla Aviation's goal to build a full-stack aviation original equipment manufacturer (OEM) focused on next-generation urban air mobility systems. This focus aligns with Sarla Aviation's mission to revolutionize air mobility in India.
One of Bansal's key responsibilities will be to help Sarla Aviation navigate certification pathways and airworthiness compliance essential for the innovative electric air taxi development. This is crucial as Sarla Aviation prepares for flight testing and market introduction of its six-seater electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft prototype, Shunya.
Adrian Schmidt, Sarla Aviation’s CEO, emphasized that Bansal’s leadership will be instrumental in maturing Sarla’s certification processes and regulatory frameworks, key to revolutionizing air mobility in India.
Sarla Aviation, named after Sarla Thukral, the country's first woman pilot, is part of India's long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The company, founded in 2023 and based in Bengaluru, aims to introduce flying taxis in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.
The appointment of Bansal is a significant step towards redefining mass transportation in India for Sarla Aviation. As the company transitions from engineering development to real-world deployment, Bansal's guidance on policy, certification, and stakeholder relations will be invaluable.
[1] Press Release: Sarla Aviation Secures Funding, Announces Strategic Advisor Appointment [2] The Economic Times: Sarla Aviation Showcases Electric Air Taxi Prototype at Bharat Mobility Expo [3] Business Standard: Rajiv Bansal Joins Sarla Aviation as Strategic Advisor [4] Financial Express: Sarla Aviation's Regulatory Strategy Boosted by Rajiv Bansal Appointment [5] LiveMint: Sarla Aviation Prepares for Flight Testing with Rajiv Bansal's Guidance
- Rajiv Bansal's wealth of knowledge and experience in the aerospace industry will be vital for Sarla Aviation's strategy in developing a full-stack aviation original equipment manufacturer (OEM) focused on next-generation urban air mobility systems.
- The vision of Sarla Aviation, aligned with India's long-term plan Viksit Bharat 2047, strives to revolutionize air mobility by introducing flying taxis in major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.
- In his new role, Rajiv Bansal will lead Sarla Aviation's regulatory strategy, guiding the company's interaction with civil aviation authorities, and supporting the company's goal of navigating certification pathways and airworthiness compliance for innovative electric air taxi development.
- Adrian Schmidt, CEO of Sarla Aviation, believes that Rajiv Bansal's leadership will be essential in maturing the certification processes and regulatory frameworks, crucial for the company's mission to redefine mass transportation in India.
- With the appointment of Rajiv Bansal as a strategic advisor, Sarla Aviation has secured funding and is prepared for flight testing and market introduction of its six-seater electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft prototype, Shunya.
- As Sarla Aviation transitions from engineering development to real-world deployment, partnerships and investments from businesses, fintech, and technology sectors will play a significant role in funding its growth and scalability.
- In addition to his role in the aviation industry, Rajiv Bansal's extensive background in policy and operations will be beneficial for Sarla Aviation's interaction with airports, city governments, and other stakeholders, both domestically and internationally.
- Sarla Aviation's collaboration with private firms and investors will contribute to the innovation and development of the Indian aerospace industry, further positioning the country as a hub for tech-centric businesses and startups.
