Deepinder Goyal, co-founder of Zomato, is venturing into the regional aviation sector with LAT Aerospace, potentially transforming air travel across India. Surobhi Das, co-founder of LAT Aerospace, recently shared on LinkedIn their vision of creating a high-frequency, low-cost, demand-driven air travel network targeting underserved regions. By introducing short take-off and landing (STOL) and medium-haul aircraft, LAT Aerospace aims to enhance air connectivity for tier II and III cities. Das described this initiative as akin to ‘buses in the sky’ economical, frequent, and connecting areas overlooked by traditional airlines.
In March, Goyal invested $20 million in LAT Aerospace, which was then operating stealthily. While Das leads as the founder, Goyal contributes as a non-executive co-founder and investor. The startup’s mission is to utilize over 450 airstrips across India, of which only 150 are currently used for commercial flights. LAT Aerospace plans to transform these unused airstrips into ‘air-stops,’ resembling parking lots, to facilitate easier access to air travel.
The concept is set to eliminate the hassles of conventional air travel by allowing passengers to board flights from compact ‘air-stops’ near residential areas, avoiding long commutes and security lines. The startup is actively recruiting aerospace engineers and systems designers to expand its team.
Goyal’s enthusiasm for regional airspace is backed by his history of market disruption with Zomato. As India’s aviation, defense, and space market gears up to reach $26.3 billion by 2030, regional air travel remains an untapped opportunity. Other startups like Sarla Aviation and ePlane, along with major players like Indigo’s parent company, are also exploring similar avenues.
Sarla Aviation secured $10 million in Series A1 funding to develop cost-effective helicopter taxi alternatives. Meanwhile, ePlane raised $14 million for its manned aircraft, planning flight tests by mid-2025. Indigo’s parent company is considering launching electric taxi services in India by 2026.
The Indian government’s UDAN Scheme, launched in 2016, aims to improve regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for tier II and III cities. Despite challenges in public acceptance and regulatory hurdles, Goyal’s venture with LAT Aerospace holds promise to redefine regional air travel, leveraging his expertise in creating successful, innovative solutions.
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