Empire Aviation (MJE, Dubai International) has announced a strategic collaboration with Indian electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer ePlane Company to deploy eVTOL air taxis and air ambulances in Asian markets, including India, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and Indonesia.
"As the market for urban air mobility continues to grow in importance, Empire Aviation has entered into a strategic partnership with ePlane to provide our input on the development, certification, operational, and customer experience aspects of the eVTOL," said Paras P Dhamecha, founder and managing director of Empire Aviation.
Additionally, the Dubai-based operator is considering an investment in ePlane in the company's next funding round.
Empire Aviation currently holds air operator's certificates (AOCs) in the United Arab Emirates, San Marino, and India, operating a fleet of around 20 aircraft from manufacturers such as Boeing Business Jet, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Dassault Aviation, Embraer Executive Jets, and Gulfstream Aerospace. The group provides aircraft management, private jet charter, and aircraft sales services.
ePlane Company is a start-up incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). The firm anticipates ePlane's first commercial flight in 2026.
