Electra.aero and Hunch Mobility (operating as BLADE India), have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at transforming regional air travel across India. The two companies formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy Electra’s innovative EL9 Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) hybrid-electric aircraft. This collaboration is set to introduce affordable, sustainable, and quieter on-demand air travel options to one of the world’s most rapidly expanding and congested transportation networks, effectively pioneering Regional Travel Short Form solutions.
This landmark agreement was officially signed at the India Urban Air Mobility Expo 2025 in Greater Noida. The event, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) as part of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, served as the perfect stage to highlight the future of cutting-edge mobility solutions in India.
The core of this partnership lies in combining Electra’s state-of-the-art EL9 aircraft, designed to carry 9 passengers and capable of taking off and landing in spaces as small as 150 feet, with Hunch Mobility’s sophisticated technology platform. Hunch Mobility, known for its BLADE India brand, brings to the table an extensive network of aircraft operators and strategic infrastructure within major urban centers. This synergy promises to deliver seamless, direct air connectivity to destinations currently underserved or inaccessible by existing air travel options, focusing on regional travel short form routes.
Electra EL9 Ultra Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft and Hunch Mobility partnership for regional air travel in India
The EL9’s unique capabilities are particularly well-suited to India’s evolving mobility landscape. Its in-flight battery recharging system and remarkably quiet operation allow it to operate from unconventional locations such as soccer fields, parking lots, or even helicopter pads. This opens up the potential for regional travel short form routes that bypass traditional large airports, reaching smaller regional airports and new Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, effectively democratizing air travel.
“Electra is thrilled to join forces with Hunch Mobility to introduce our EL9 aircraft to the Indian market,” stated Marc Ausman, Vice President of Sales and Support at Electra. “This partnership strategically aligns Electra’s innovative aircraft technology with Hunch Mobility’s deep operational expertise and strong market presence. Together, we are poised to offer cleaner, quieter, and significantly faster transportation alternatives that directly address India’s growing and complex mobility challenges through efficient regional travel short form options.”
Amit Dutta, Managing Director of Hunch Mobility, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, “Our alliance with Electra marks a pivotal leap forward in our ongoing commitment to minimize travel friction and provide cost-effective air transportation solutions. The integration of the EL9 aircraft into our services will enable us to substantially expand our reach and offer a smooth transition to electric air mobility for our valued customers. This is particularly crucial for developing regional travel short form networks.”
He further highlighted the platform provided by the CII Urban Air Mobility Expo 2025: “We are proud to announce this partnership at such a prestigious event. The Expo plays a crucial role in propelling India to the forefront of urban air mobility. It unites manufacturers, facilitators, and operators, fostering essential collaboration and innovation to shape a future-ready air mobility ecosystem, especially for regional travel short form solutions.”
The MoU outlines a collaborative approach where Electra and Hunch Mobility will jointly identify and develop route networks that fully leverage the EL9’s exceptional short takeoff and landing capabilities. The initial focus will be on routes that currently suffer from severe ground traffic congestion, making regional travel short form air options highly attractive. Hunch Mobility will contribute critical operational insights to ensure the EL9 aircraft is optimized for performance, maintenance, and passenger comfort within the Indian context. Furthermore, the partnership includes joint marketing efforts and a coordinated advocacy strategy to promote policies that support research, development, and infrastructure advancements in the Advanced Air Mobility sector, paving the way for widespread adoption of regional travel short form air travel.
