AP Accelerates Flying Vehicle Projects

Plans to introduce export-ready flying cars and drone taxis within two years, announced by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the 30th CII Partnership Summit, have received strong support from leading aerospace and engineering firms.

JK Maini Global Aerospace, part of the Raymond Group, confirmed its readiness to supply components for the futuristic vehicles. Gautam Maini, the company’s managing director, said the firm, which has long provided critical engineering parts to global original equipment manufacturers, is well-positioned to meet demand. “We are already manufacturing all the necessary components for flying cars. Supportive policies from state and central governments will allow us to move forward,” he told thecoataltimes.in.

The announcement comes shortly after the Raymond Group, alongside its subsidiaries Maini Group and JK Files, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish an Aerospace Park and manufacturing facility in Anantapur. The project, with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 900 crore, draws on the group’s experience in electric vehicles, including the launch of the Reva electric car in 2000.

The state government is simultaneously advancing a drone manufacturing policy and plans to develop a 300-acre “Drone City” in Orvakallu, Kurnool, aimed at research, development, and production. Start-ups will benefit from incentives including capital subsidies and SGST waivers to encourage innovation in the sector.

Among the emerging companies is Andhra Pradesh-based Magnum Wings, which has successfully tested a two-seater drone taxi prototype designed for urban environments. The electric vehicle can reach speeds of 100 km/h, ascend to 1,000 feet, and travel 40 km, with efforts underway to prepare the model for commercial deployment.