A Team of International Experts.

International, Young, Agile, Inclusive. We’re made of the World’s best eVTOL Talents, from Lilium, Wisk, Archer, and Joby. Get in Touch to Join our Team!

Sarla Thakral
A woman with a dream inspiring us every day


Our venture is named after Sarla Thakral सरला ठकराल in honor of her pioneering spirit and groundbreaking achievements in aviation. Sarla Thakral was the first Indian woman to earn a pilot's license, doing so in 1936 at the age of 21. Her determination and courage broke gender barriers in a field dominated by men, making her a symbol of progress and inspiration. In embodying her spirit, our company aims to mirror her trailblazing legacy in aviation by introducing innovative eVTOL technology in India. Just as Sarla Thakral ventured into uncharted skies, we aspire to chart new paths in urban mobility, revolutionizing transportation in India's rapidly growing cities.

Our Team Builds eVTOL for the Second Time Around

Sarla Aviation is driven by a diverse and talented team, comprising Indian experts and international professionals with a rich history in the EV and eVTOL sectors. Our team members have honed their expertise across the globe, from California to the UK and Germany, contributing to industry leaders in sustainable transportation.


Meet the Co-Founders


Our three co-founders are united by the passion to change the world for a better tomorrow and by the firm belief that India is where the future of Earth's civilization will be decided. While Shivam Chauhan (left) gained his experience from working with Joby Aviation before building Sarla, Rakesh Gaonkar (middle) and Adrian Schmidt (right) developed their expertise at Lilium in Germany. All three come from different backgrounds in the flying taxi industry, making them the perfect team to build India’s future in eVTOL technology right from the heart of Bengaluru.