Goa Envisions India’s First Coastal Aerial Mobility State With Tripartite Agreement Forges The Future Of Travel And Technology

Published on December 6, 2025

The landscape of regional connectivity and tourism in Goa has been irreversibly altered with the formalization of a groundbreaking pact. A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently executed, effectively setting the stage for the state’s transformation into India’s first Coastal Aerial Mobility State. This ambitious vision, which integrates cutting-edge technology with the requirements of a rapidly expanding tourism sector, is being realized through a collaboration between three pivotal entities: the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd. The agreement was officially signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, signifying a dedicated governmental focus on embracing next-generation mobility solutions.

The core objective of this strategic partnership is two-fold: the establishment of an Advanced Design & Development Center within the state and the seamless integration of VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) systems into the fabric of Goa’s future tourism and mobility infrastructure. The incorporation of this revolutionary technology, which promises clean, efficient, and rapid aerial transit, is being viewed not merely as an upgrade to transport logistics but as a foundational element for fostering innovation and attracting high-value, design-led industries to the region.

The Foundation of Advanced Air Mobility: VTOL Integration

The formal proceedings of the signing ceremony were conducted with the attendance of numerous key governmental and organizational figures. The Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, was prominently present, underscoring the high-level commitment to the initiative. He was joined by Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C, and Shri Kedar Naik, Director, DOT, alongside Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Minister for Tourism; Shri Neville Noronha, OSD to the Minister of IT; and Shri. D.S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC). The private sector partner was represented by Mr. Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder & CEO of Sarla Aviation Private Limited. The presence of such a high-caliber delegation demonstrated the significance and comprehensive nature of the project.

Visionary Leadership and Economic Catalyst

The operational commitment of Sarla Aviation, which is a startup backed by prominent investors including Accel, Nikhil Kamath, Binny Bansal, and Sriharsha Majety, involves establishing a long-term operational base in Goa. This base is destined to function as a crucial hub dedicated to innovation, creative endeavors, and the development of advanced aerospace technology. The primary activities to be undertaken at this center will encompass research, detailed system design, comprehensive testing protocols, and sophisticated prototype development. These activities are designed to significantly contribute to Goa’s emergence as a premier destination for high-value, design-led industries within the nation.

Sarla Aviation’s specific technology contribution centers on the development of a cutting-edge, six-seater electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly conceptualized as an Air Taxi. The fundamental purpose of this aircraft is to alleviate existing road congestion by introducing a supplementary layer of clean, highly efficient aerial mobility. The integration of such energy-efficient aerial routes into the state’s infrastructure is expected to set a national precedent for future urban planning and logistical optimization.

Forging India’s First Coastal Aerial Mobility State

The signed MoU meticulously defines a comprehensive roadmap for the calculated introduction of VTOL-based aerial mobility across Goa. This strategic deployment is specifically intended to position the state as the undeniable national leader in the coastal air mobility sector. Several critical components have been outlined within this ambitious plan, each designed to ensure smooth implementation and widespread adoption of the new mobility solutions.

Firstly, a proactive process involving engagement with hotel owners, hospitality operators, and a wide array of tourism stakeholders is required. This crucial step is aimed at exploring and facilitating the accelerated adoption of VTOL services, particularly for premium, high-end, and sustainable tourism experiences. The focus remains on establishing a viable business model that integrates seamlessly into the existing hospitality framework.

Transforming the Tourism and Hospitality Landscape

From the perspective of the tourism sector, which is central to Goa’s economy, the necessity for embracing innovative mobility solutions has been clearly acknowledged. Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, pointed out that the global tourism sector is undergoing rapid evolution, and Goa is strategically located to successfully adopt new mobility options that significantly enhance both visitor access and the quality of their experience. Through the provisions of the MoU, a commitment has been made to work closely and collaboratively with hospitality stakeholders and specialized operators. The goal is to comprehensively explore the practical modalities of how VTOL technology can be fully integrated into the existing portfolio of Goa’s tourism offerings.

Technological Innovation and Future Outlook

The partnership has been enthusiastically welcomed by the industry partner, Sarla Aviation. Mr. Adrian Schmidt, Co-founder & CEO, expressed deep appreciation for the proactive and entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by the Government of Goa in embracing new and complex technologies. It was announced that, with the state’s dedicated support, plans are now underway to commence the expansion of the initial Air Taxi operation networks across the state. This ambitious goal aims to bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) networks and services to Goans as early as 2029, marking a rapid transition from planning to implementation.

The establishment of Sarla’s first Satellite Studio in Goa was also received with gratitude. This studio is expected to become a nexus for design and engineering talent. It is strongly believed that Goa’s unique, attractive blend of high quality of life and professional work opportunities will act as a magnet, successfully attracting world-class talent from across the globe. This influx of expertise is intended to further help in positioning India, through the foundation laid in Goa, as a globally competitive top talent destination for advanced aerospace research and development.