Air India Ltd has entered into a preliminary agreement with global eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) developer and manufacturer SkyDrive, as well as with Japan's Suzuki Motor Corporation. The goal of the joint study is to examine the feasibility of using eVTOL aircraft for air medical logistics in India.
This proposed collaboration has become relevant against the backdrop of severe traffic congestion issues in major Indian cities, which pose significant obstacles to timely medical logistics, according to the company's statement.
By combining SkyDrive's eVTOL technology, Air India's operational experience, and Suzuki's market understanding of India, the three companies intend to develop solutions for last-mile emergency medical logistics, thereby contributing to the development of India's medical infrastructure.
Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo Operations at Air India Limited, noted: 'India is one of the largest and fastest-growing aviation markets in the world today, and we view the development of air mobility as a natural extension of the country's transport ecosystem. The potential application of eVTOL aircraft for air medical logistics is particularly attractive as it combines technology and purpose, helping to reduce critical transit time when every minute counts.'
He added that Air India Ltd will contribute to the feasibility study by providing knowledge on operational activities, airport infrastructure, and stakeholder relations to assess and develop safe, reliable, and scalable eVTOL operations.
Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive Inc., stated: 'We are collaborating with Air India and Suzuki to take a step towards medical logistics—a sector where every second counts and lives can be saved. In India, where chronic congestion is a serious problem, the use of eVTOL for advanced medical logistics, including the transportation of valuable, critical medical supplies, will transform the medical infrastructure.'
Masao Fujita, Executive General Manager of New Generation Business Development at Suzuki Motor Corporation, reported that the eVTOL aircraft developed by SkyDrive, within which business and technological cooperation with Suzuki is underway, represents a new form of mobility embodying Suzuki's philosophy of 'Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi (Less, Less, Lighter, Shorter, and Neater)'. He also emphasized that the company will continue to offer diverse mobility options tailored to customer needs and will contribute to regional development.
MY FREIGHTER, the largest cargo airline in Central Asia and part of Centrum Holding, has signed an interline agreement with Singapore Airlines. This was announced in a LinkedIn post by the founder and CEO of Centrum Holding, Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov.
This agreement marks the twenty-fifth partnership project for MY FREIGHTER within its interline cooperation framework and reflects the carrier's continuous expansion of its international cooperative network, the company stated.
The new partnership allows MY FREIGHTER to utilize Singapore Airlines' route network, which covers destinations in Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, the Pacific region, Europe, and other markets. This agreement increases transportation capabilities between Central Asia and major global trade and logistics hubs.
Under the interline structure, cargo will be transported on flights operated by both airlines. The deal is expected to allow customers to choose from a wider range of routes, optimize transit shipments, and improve access to global supply chains. This is particularly important for businesses operating in trade routes between Central Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Abdurakhmanov noted that this agreement is another step in realizing MY FREIGHTER's strategy to create a leading logistics bridge between Central Asia and global markets. The company continues to grow its partner network with international carriers, focusing on improving service quality, developing transport connectivity, and enhancing the reliability of cargo transportation.
