Urban-Air Port & Nalwa Aero Announce World-First Partnership to Revolutionise Advanced Air Mobility in India
London, UK – July 23, 2025 – Urban-Air Port, a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, and Nalwa Aero, India’s pioneering eVTOL developer, today announce a landmark partnership to enter the Indian market, marking Urban-Air Port’s first collaboration with an Indian eVTOL OEM. This strategic, long-term alliance aims to develop purpose-built, scalable, and multi-modal infrastructure to support India’s rapidly expanding aviation market, aligning with government policies and the growing demand for air travel.
This first-of-its-kind agreement establishes Nalwa Aero as one of Urban-Air Port’s preferred VTOL Partners in India, while Urban-Air Port becomes Nalwa Aero’s preferred Infrastructure Partner. Together, the companies will accelerate the development of India’s AAM ecosystem, unlocking in-line-of-sight business opportunities by combining Nalwa Aero’s innovative NALWA 5X eVTOL aircraft with Urban-Air Port’s cutting-edge vertiport infrastructure.
“We are proud to announce this groundbreaking partnership, uniting Nalwa Aero’s revolutionary NALWA 5X eVTOL with Urban-Air Port’s proven, state-of-the-art vertiport infrastructure. Together, we are delivering a flexible, sustainable, and turnkey ‘eVTOL plus infrastructure’ solution that will propel India’s clean, future-ready Urban Air Mobility ecosystem.”
NALWA AERO 5X eVTOL
Key Objectives of the Partnership
Market Expansion: The collaboration will capitalise on India’s burgeoning aviation sector, where air travel penetration is currently low (10-15% of the population fly annually). With India’s aviation market projected to grow to 480 million passengers by 2036 and an estimated market value of $25 - $40 billion by 2030-2033, the partnership aligns with initiatives like the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) program and plans for helipads along highways.
Government Collaboration: The partners will pursue opportunities under the Indian government’s plan to develop 1,000 helipads and drone zones every 50km along national highways, positioning Nalwa Aero and Urban-Air Port as key contributors to India’s AAM ambitions.
Comprehensive AAM Solutions: The companies will develop coordinated products, designs, and services across the AAM value chain, including cargo, medical, passenger, and defence applications. A flagship initiative includes creating a physical showcase featuring Urban-Air Port’s Air-One vertiport integrated with the NALWA 5X eVTOL.
Mutual Commitment: Urban-Air Port will offer Nalwa Aero preferential rights, for AAM infrastructure development programs in India, while Nalwa Aero will prioritise deploying its eVTOLs on Urban-Air Port’s platforms. Similarly, Nalwa Aero will offer Urban-Air Port first notice on vertiport-related programs.
“India’s aviation market, the third-largest globally, is poised for exponential growth, driven by a burgeoning middle class, rising disposable incomes, and government initiatives like UDAN. Handling 200 million passengers annually yet representing only 4% of global air traffic, India has immense potential to leapfrog other nations by integrating AAM into its infrastructure rollout. This partnership positions us to lead that transformation.”
Phased Approach to Market Entry
Phase 1: Development of Indian Market Capabilities (2025)
• Develop tailored market insights for AAM infrastructure, focusing on operational requirements for aerial cargo, medical, and passenger transport in urban and regional settings, aligned with government policies.
• Advance vehicle and infrastructure R&D, with Nalwa Aero designing the NALWA 5X eVTOL and Urban-Air Port developing customised & use-case-specific vertiports.
• Engage private industries, local governments, and regulatory authorities to define infrastructure requirements, including vertiport design, network integration, and charging solutions.
• Develop a regulatory engagement strategy to enable certified operations for cargo and passenger services.
• Create a digital concept design for a standardised, Nalwa-operated Urban-Air Port “showcase” Air-One vertiport.
Phase 2: Demonstration (2026)
• Conduct technology, regulatory, and business model de-risking activities, including ground and flight demonstrations to validate infrastructure and airspace management requirements.
• Align with regulatory authorities to meet certification standards for products, production processes, and operations.
• Develop operating safety standards to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all stakeholders.
Phase 3: Deployment (2026 and Beyond)
• Deliver a fully integrated AAM infrastructure solution and service model, compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements, to enable scalable, certified operations for cargo, medical, passenger, and defence applications.
“At Nalwa Aero, we view eVTOLs as the natural evolution of air travel—cleaner, safer, and smarter mobility for all. Our mission is to make Advanced Air Mobility affordable and accessible to every Indian. Partnering with Urban-Air Port, a global leader in AAM infrastructure since 2017, enables us to scale our business with a full-stack solution of eVTOL aircraft and landing infrastructure, tailored to the needs of the government, our clients, and the Indian market.”
Urban-Air Port’s AirOne Vertiport - Customisable, Scaleable & Modular
“It is a great privilege to enter India’s dynamic aviation market, home to the world’s fastest-growing airline, IndiGo. We are thrilled to partner with Kuljeet and the Nalwa Aero team, whose leadership in AAM, exemplified by their Design Organisation Approval from the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), aligns perfectly with our pioneering approach. By combining Nalwa Aero’s deep market connections with Urban-Air Port’s vertiport expertise, we are well-positioned to support the Government of India’s ambitious AAM vision.”
About India’s Aviation Market
India’s aviation sector is projected to see significant growth, with air travel penetration expected to reach 40% (approximately 560 million passengers annually) by 2043, up from 10-15% today. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts passenger traffic to triple to 425 million journeys per year by 2044. Key drivers include:
• Economic Growth: A growing middle class and rising disposable incomes fuel demand.
• Infrastructure Expansion: The number of operational airports has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, with plans for 220 by 2025 and 350-400 by 2047.
• Low-Cost Carriers: LCCs like IndiGo, with a near 65% market share, drive affordability, accounting for almost 80% of domestic capacity in 2024.
• Fleet Growth: Indian airlines have ordered over 1,700 aircraft, with the fleet expected to grow from 771 in 2023 to 1,200 by 2027.
• Government Support: Initiatives like UDAN and $12 billion in airport infrastructure investments by 2026 are key enablers.
About Urban-Air Port®
Aviation & Defence Technology | World’s most advanced, patented infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility.
Urban-Air Port is a cutting-edge aerospace, robotics, and air mobility platform driving 21st-century defence and aerospace innovation. Harnessing decades of expertise in drones, aviation, and infrastructure, it delivers unrivalled solutions for global defence and aerospace markets.
Its defence-focused DBx-A1, launching in 2025, offers covert, portable, and automated infrastructure to support tactical frontline operations. Designed to counter aerial surveillance and strikes, it enables small units to execute complex missions with enhanced tempo and resilience.
An award-winning leader in infrastructure, Urban-Air Port develops compact landing and charging systems for sustainable air transport, including passenger and cargo VTOL air taxis and autonomous drones for civilian and defence use. Its mission is to electrify aviation by overcoming ground infrastructure limitations, creating a zero-emission ecosystem that slashes congestion and pollution in passenger, cargo, and defence transport.
Recognised as a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility, Urban-Air Port’s patented vertiport technology delivers ultra-compact, high-capacity infrastructure, transforming cities into connected, cleaner hubs for a green economic future. Its solutions are optimised for electric and hybrid VTOL aircraft, ensuring safer, quieter, and more sustainable operations compared to competitors.
The “Vertical Airfield” technology compacts conventional airfields, enabling safe electric vertical take-off and landing at height, akin to an aircraft carrier. Urban-Air Port’s vertiports are 80% smaller than alternatives, featuring modular designs for scalable expansion, maximised eVTOL throughput, and integrated energy storage for superior performance and passenger experience.
The Air-One project in Coventry, launched in April 2022 with UK Government Research and Innovation funding, marked the world’s first fully operational vertiport in a dense urban setting. It hosted over 15,000 visitors and 150 successful flights within Coventry’s complex urban airspace and airport restriction zone.
Backed by global partners like Supernal (Hyundai Motor Group) and Directors of M7 Real Estate (Oxford Properties), Urban-Air Port’s team of aeronautical engineers and aerospace experts brings experience from Airbus, Foster + Partners, Arup, BAA, McKinsey, Hyundai Motor Group, Vertical Aerospace, EASA, NATS, Qatar Airways, and elite military units like US Special Forces and the British Army.
Visit www.urbanairport.com for more information and follow us on LinkedIn.
Investors: invest@urbanairport.com
Media: press@urbanairport.com
About Nalwa Aero
Founded in 2023 by CEO Kuljeet S. Sandhu and based in Mohali, Punjab, Nalwa Aero is pioneering India’s first 5-seater eVTOL, the NALWA 5X, designed for urban and regional mobility. Collaborating with global partners from the US, Germany, Australia, and Spain, Nalwa Aero is transforming air transportation with zero-carbon, efficient, and versatile solutions.
The NALWA 5X, with a maximum speed of 400 km/h, a 6,000-meter service ceiling, and a 90-minute flight duration, supports applications in commercial air taxis, medical evacuation, cargo, and military operations.
Visit www.nalwa.aero for more information.
Media: pragya.sharma@nalwa.aero
