With advancements in drone technology benefiting defense, agriculture, and medical sectors, innovators are now focusing on air taxis. Unlike helicopters or airplanes, these futuristic flying vehicles have successfully passed experimental trials and are now in the production stage.
Guntur native Abhiram Chava, founder of Magnum Wings Company, has been at the forefront of air taxi innovation. After completing his engineering and gaining experience in the U.S. aircraft industry, he returned to India in 2017 with a firm determination to develop air taxis. His latest V2 model, designed to carry two passengers, is now beyond the pilot phase and ready for passenger trials. Capable of taking off from rooftops and covering a distance of 40 km, the air taxi promises to revolutionize urban transportation.
Abhiram credited AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu as a major inspiration, referring to him as "Tech Babu" and praising his vision for technological advancements. He recalled childhood stories of Hanuman crossing the skies and expressed pride in turning such ideas into reality.
While the Central Air Taxi Policy is still in the draft stage, delaying official approvals, Abhiram and his team are already working on future models, including a three-passenger and an eight-passenger version. The state government is also closely monitoring developments, aiming to integrate air taxis effectively.
With this innovation, Abhiram hopes to showcase the strength of Telugu ingenuity on a global scale.
