Goa has taken a visionary step toward redefining tourism, technology and next-generation mobility with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and Sarla Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
The agreement, signed at Paryatan Bhavan, Patto, aims to establish an Advanced Design & Development Center in Goa while setting the foundation for integrating VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) systems into the State’s future tourism and mobility ecosystem.
The ceremony took place in the presence of Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications and Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, alongside key officials including Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C), Shri Kedar Naik (Director, DOT), Dr. Milind Sakhardande (Joint Director, DITE&C), Shri Shawn Mendes (OSD, Tourism), Shri Neville Noronha (OSD, IT), Shri D.S. Prashant (CEO, SITPC) and Mr. Adrian Schmidt (Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation).
Goa’s Vision for Next-Gen Mobility
Minister Khaunte highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration, stating that VTOL technology and aerospace design will unlock new opportunities for innovation, tourism enhancement and high-value employment for Goan youth.
He noted, “Our focus is to ensure that every new technology introduced in Goa strengthens the State’s economy and benefits our people first.”
Sarla Aviation’s Long-Term Base in Goa
Sarla Aviation, backed by prominent investors including Accel, Nikhil Kamath, Binny Bansal and Sriharsha Majety, will establish a dedicated centre focusing on:
- Advanced aerospace design
- System engineering
- Prototype development
- Testing and R&D
The company is developing a six-seater electric VTOL aircraft designed to reduce congestion by introducing clean and efficient aerial mobility.
Roadmap for VTOL-Based Aerial Tourism and Transport
The MoU outlines a comprehensive action plan that includes:
- Collaboration with hotel and hospitality partners for premium aerial tourism routes
- Development of a Goa-specific UAM (Urban Air Mobility) Policy
- Exploring airport-to-resort aerial connectivity
- Identifying and supporting a local VTOL service operator
These initiatives aim to make Goa the first Coastal Aerial Mobility State in India, combining innovation with sustainable tourism.
Voices from the Collaboration
Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar (Director, DITE&C) emphasised that the partnership aligns with Goa’s long-term technology vision, enabling the State to become a platform for designing and scaling next-generation mobility solutions.
Shri Kedar Naik (Director, Tourism) highlighted the potential for VTOL services to redefine connectivity across beaches, hinterland and resorts, promoting eco-conscious travel and elevating the tourist experience.
Sarla Aviation’s CEO, Mr. Adrian Schmidt, expressed gratitude to the Government of Goa, noting the potential to bring Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to Goans as early as 2029 and build a talent-rich satellite studio in the State.
A Unified Vision for Goa’s Future
The collaboration strengthens Goa’s commitment to innovation, advanced technology and future-ready tourism. It also opens pathways for high-value skilling, aerospace design careers and cutting-edge mobility solutions for residents and visitors alike.
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