Chennai: The ePlane Company, a leading developer of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced that it has received Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in an event on Monday, May 22, 2023. The DOA is a crucial first step in the aircraft certification process, and it paves the way for ePlane to begin commercial production of its e200 eVTOL two-seater aircraft designed to operate in urban spaces..
The distinguished guests present at the ceremony included Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General of Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA); Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras; Indranil Chakraborthy, Deputy Director General of DGCA;Ms Meenu Kapil, Director, Aircraft Engineering; and Jai Simha, Director, DGCA Chennai.
The ePlane Company hosted the dignitaries from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and IIT Madras at a special ceremony held on Monday to announce the awarding of the certificate. On the occasion, the DGCA dignitaries and Prof V Kamakoti, the Director of IIT Madras, presented the Design Organisation Approval to Prof Satya and the ePlane team. The DGCA team also visited the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) at the IIT Madras Campus to gain insights into ePlane’s ongoing work and progress. Subsequently, they toured the ePlane manufacturing facility followed by the Director General’s address and a small celebration to mark the occasion at the IITM Discovery Campus in Thaiyur, near Chennai.
“We are delighted to receive the DOA certificate from the DGCA,” Prof. Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy, Founder and CEO, The ePlane Company, said. “This is a major milestone for our company. It is a crucial first step in the aircraft certification process and paves another stone on the path towards commercialisation of our e200 eVTOL aircraft. It gives us immense pleasure to announce that ePlane is the first startup in India to be approved as a Design Organisation and one of the very few private entities for complete aircraft design.”
“The certification brings us a step closer towards our mission to ensure safe passenger flights in India and the world. We are grateful for the support of DGCA and IIT Madras in helping us to achieve this milestone.”
The DOA serves as a crucial initial step for the ePlane Company, signifying its capabilities to meet the stringent standards set by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation, allowing the company’s flying electric taxis to take to the skies. With the DOA Certificate in hand, ePlane is poised to continue its ground-breaking work in developing safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly aircraft for the future.
Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, conveyed his enthusiasm about visiting The ePlane Company’s facility and personally presenting the Design Organisation Approval. He said, “We are thrilled to witness the rapid growth and vast potential of the UAV and eVTOL ecosystem in India. ePlane has demonstrated remarkable commitment to meeting stringent aircraft certification norms, reflecting their exceptional calibre and innovative approach. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire ePlane team on achieving this significant milestone, and I am confident in the future success of ePlane and its remarkable e200 aircraft.”
Prof Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras said, “I am delighted to be a part of this historic moment and I commend the nurturing ecosystem at IIT Madras, which supports both educational initiatives and startup incubation.”
