Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal is planning on pioneering aviation venture aiming to revolutionise India’s regional air travel market, according to a LinkedIn post by the co-founder of LAT aerospace. LAT Aerospace plans to introduce affordable, high-frequency flights using 12–24 seater hybrid-electric STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities through compact “air-stops.”
The company, co-founded with Surobhi Das, has already secured $50 million in funding and seeks to make flying as simple and frequent as taking a bus. Industry experts are watching closely as LAT Aerospace prepares to address longstanding gaps in regional connectivity.
‘Buses in the Sky’: LAT Aerospace’s Vision for Accessible Air Travel
LAT Aerospace’s business model is built on the idea of “buses in the sky”—frequent, affordable flights operating from small, easily accessible air-stops rather than traditional airports. India currently has over 450 airstrips, but only about 150 are commercially operational, leaving a vast network of potential untapped.
The company’s aircraft will be able to take off and land in areas no larger than a parking lot, dramatically reducing the need for expensive airport infrastructure. “No chaos. No security lines. Just walk in and fly,” co-founder Surobhi Das explained in a recent statement.
LAT Aerospace is actively recruiting aerospace engineers and aviation professionals, signalling its intent to move quickly from concept to reality. With Deepinder Goyal contributing $20 million of the initial $50 million funding round, the venture has strong backing and ambitious targets.
From Food Delivery Disruptor to Aviation Innovator
Deepinder Goyal’s leap from food delivery to aviation comes after Zomato’s success in transforming how Indians access meals. LAT Aerospace’s entry into the aviation sector is timely, as India’s regional connectivity remains a challenge despite government initiatives like the UDAN scheme.
Many smaller towns and cities still lack reliable, affordable air links, forcing millions to rely on lengthy road or rail journeys. By leveraging hybrid-electric aircraft and underutilised airstrips, LAT Aerospace aims to complement government efforts, offering both passenger and logistics solutions. The company also hints at future expansion into tech-driven cargo and unmanned aerial systems, further broadening its impact on India’s mobility landscape.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
LAT Aerospace’s bold vision to democratise regional air travel exemplifies the spirit of Indian innovation—identifying everyday challenges and crafting scalable, inclusive solutions. Making air travel as accessible as bus journeys could transform lives, boost local economies, and bridge the urban-rural divide.
The Logical Indian celebrates such entrepreneurial initiatives, while urging that growth be pursued with a focus on sustainability, safety, and environmental responsibility. As India’s skies open to new possibilities, we must ensure that innovation benefits all, especially those in remote or underserved regions.
