From delivering food to launching an aerospace startup—Surobhi Das and Deepinder Goyal’s new venture, LAT Aerospace, is making waves in the aviation industry. With a vision to develop low-cost Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft, this startup aims to transform regional air connectivity in India. But can a team with roots in food-tech truly disrupt aviation?
Credits: Fortune India
Let’s dive into LAT Aerospace’s vision, its potential impact, and how STOL aircraft could reshape the future of regional air travel.
Former Zomato Chief Operating Officer (COO) Surobhi Das has assumed leadership of LAT Aerospace’s daily operations. Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, who has contributed a million dollars to the project and will be a non-executive co-founder, is supporting her.
Despite their seemingly un experience in food delivery, LAT Aerospace may have an advantage because to their history of growing companies, streamlining logistics, and utilizing technology. Still operating in stealth mode, the business is actively seeking expertise in the fields of material sciences, hybrid propulsion, and aerodynamics while also raising more seed money.
STOL aircraft are not your typical air taxis. They are small planes that require significantly shorter runway lengths, allowing them to take off and land in spaces as compact as a parking lot.
Key Features of STOL Aircraft:
Short Runway Operations – Can take off and land on airstrips as short as a few hundred meters.
Low Infrastructure Requirement – Operates from small air-stops instead of large airports.
Fuel-Efficient & Cost-Effective – Designed to be lightweight and economical, reducing operating costs.
By eliminating the need for expensive airport infrastructure, STOL aircraft have the potential to make air travel more accessible and affordable in smaller cities and remote regions.
India’s regional connectivity has long been a challenge. Many towns lack proper rail and road networks, leaving air travel as an expensive and underutilized option. LAT Aerospace’s goal is to bridge this gap by offering small, fuel-efficient aircraft that can serve underserved locations.
Potential Benefits of LAT Aerospace’s STOL Aircraft:
If successful, LAT Aerospace could set new standards in regional aviation by making air travel an everyday reality for millions of people.
While LAT Aerospace’s concept is promising, the aerospace industry is highly complex and capital-intensive. Building a viable STOL aircraft requires extensive research, regulatory approvals, and significant funding.
Additionally, companies like Textron Aviation and Viking Air have already developed STOL aircraft for various applications. LAT Aerospace will need to differentiate itself by focusing on affordability, efficiency, and adaptability to India’s aviation landscape.
Despite being in its infancy, LAT Aerospace has big intentions. To speed up development, the firm is actively seeking investors and hiring top developers.
They might usher in a new era of regional air transport in India if they are able to successfully prototype and deploy a working STOL aircraft. Like they did at Zomato, their strategy of utilizing technology and operational effectiveness may be the secret to success.
Credits: TICE News
Although the move from food delivery to aerospace would seem like a huge leap, Das and Goyal’s history of creating scalable companies suggests that this is not the case. By making regional flights as easy as calling a cab, LAT Aerospace has the potential to democratize air travel in India.
It will be interesting to watch if this audacious endeavor really takes off and transforms Indian aviation as the business develops.
Would you reserve a seat on a STOL plane? Tell us what you think!
