The ePlane Company and Ramco Systems Join Forces for Urban Air Mobility

Dawn of a New Era: The ePlane Company and Ramco Systems Partner to Shape Urban Air Mobility

The dream of flying cars weaving through cityscapes is rapidly moving from science fiction to reality, and a landmark partnership in India is set to accelerate this transition. The ePlane Company, a Chennai-based Startups incubated at IIT Madras, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ramco Systems, a global leader in aviation software. This collaboration marks a critical step in the development of India’s urban air mobility (UAM) ecosystem, aiming to create a robust digital framework for the next generation of air travel.

At the heart of this agreement is The ePlane Company’s flagship electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the e200X. Designed to function as an air taxi, air ambulance, and cargo carrier, the e200X represents a solution to the ever-growing problems of urban congestion and pollution. By partnering with Ramco, The ePlane Company is proactively building the operational backbone necessary to manage its future fleet, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency from the ground up. This move signals a maturing industry that understands the immense complexity behind making urban air travel a safe and scalable reality.

The significance of this MOU extends beyond the two companies. It represents a fusion of pioneering hardware innovation with proven, sophisticated software infrastructure. As cities worldwide grapple with gridlock, the UAM market is poised for explosive growth, with some projections estimating its value to exceed $92 billion by 2034. This partnership places India firmly on the map of this emerging global industry, showcasing a strategic approach that combines agile startup innovation with the deep-seated expertise of an established technology provider.

The Visionary: Charting a Course for Electric Skies

The ePlane Company, officially Ubifly Technologies Private Limited, was founded in 2019 by Prof. Satya Chakravarthy with a clear mission, to make urban flight a daily reality. Incubated within the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, the company has assembled a team of over 140 experts to develop one of the world’s most compact eVTOL aircraft. Their goal is to turn a frustrating hour-long commute into a swift ten-minute flight, fundamentally reshaping the way people move within cities.

The company’s journey has been marked by significant milestones that underscore its credibility and technical prowess. It holds the distinction of being the first private Indian company to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for an electric aircraft. Furthermore, its innovative design is protected by a Synergistic List patent in eight countries. The type certification process for the e200X has been underway since December 2024, with prototype fabrication and flight testing planned to follow, moving the project steadily from concept to commercialization.

To fuel this ambitious vision, The ePlane Company has successfully navigated multiple funding rounds, securing a total of $21.5 million. This financial backing, coupled with strategic partnerships with entities like the Empire Aviation Group and Tata Consultancy Services, demonstrates a broad base of support and a comprehensive strategy for deploying its eVTOLs not just in India, but across the UAE, Thailand, and Indonesia. These alliances are crucial for building the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks for future operations.

The Enabler: Ramco’s Digital Foundation for Aviation’s Future

For any aircraft to fly safely and efficiently, a complex web of logistics, maintenance, and regulatory compliance must be managed flawlessly. This is where Ramco Systems enters the picture. As a global enterprise software company, Ramco has carved out a significant niche in the aviation, aerospace, and defense sectors. Its cloud-based solutions are the trusted digital backbone for over 90 aviation organizations worldwide, managing a collective fleet of more than 4,000 aircraft.

Ramco’s Aviation Software is a comprehensive suite designed to handle every facet of an aircraft’s lifecycle. The platform includes modules for Engineering and Continuing Airworthiness Management (CAMO), Maintenance, Supply Chain, Flight Operations, and Safety and Quality Compliance. This integrated approach provides a single source of truth, enabling operators to maintain the highest standards of safety while optimizing operational efficiency. The software is used by a diverse range of clients, including major airlines, third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) providers, and large helicopter operators.

Crucially, Ramco is not just a provider of current-generation software; it is actively shaping the future of aviation technology. The company is increasingly integrating AI, machine learning, and conversational chatbots into its platform. This forward-thinking approach makes Ramco an ideal partner for an innovator like The ePlane Company. By providing a scalable, agile, and future-ready platform, Ramco is equipping the nascent UAM industry with the proven tools needed to navigate the complexities of certification, manufacturing, and large-scale commercial service.

“Electric air mobility is no longer a distant concept, but rapidly becoming a reality… Ramco is proud to support this initiative with a platform that will offer the agility, compliance, and operational depth needed to scale. This partnership reflects our belief in empowering innovation with proven technology.” – Sam Jacob, EVP & Head- Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Ramco Systems

A Symbiotic Partnership: Integrating Innovation with Experience

The Memorandum of Understanding between The ePlane Company and Ramco Systems lays out a clear, phased approach for collaboration. As the e200X progresses through its development and certification journey, Ramco’s software will be implemented in stages. This ensures that by the time the aircraft is ready for manufacturing and commercial operations, a robust digital infrastructure will already be in place to manage the entire fleet’s lifecycle.

The scope of the agreement is extensive, granting The ePlane Company access to Ramco’s full suite of aviation modules. This includes everything from manufacturing and engineering to employee management and finance. By adopting such a comprehensive platform early on, The ePlane Company can avoid the pitfalls of fragmented systems and build a scalable, compliant, and efficient operation from day one. This digital foundation is critical for managing the complexities of a new aircraft type and ensuring it meets stringent global safety standards.

This Partnerships is a strategic win for both parties. For The ePlane Company, it provides access to a world-class, battle-tested aviation software platform, mitigating operational risks and allowing the team to focus on its core competency of engineering and aircraft design. For Ramco, it marks a significant entry into the burgeoning UAM market, positioning its software as the go-to solution for the next generation of electric aircraft. The collaboration is a powerful testament to the idea that true innovation requires both groundbreaking ideas and the robust systems to support them.

“Developing India’s first flying electric taxi demands not only engineering excellence but also a technology partner who understands the nuances of the aviation industry. Ramco Systems’ platform equips us to manage complexity across engineering, operations, and compliance, while remaining agile and future-ready.” – Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, Founder, The ePlane Company

Conclusion: Building the Future of Urban Transport

The collaboration between The ePlane Company and Ramco Systems is more than just a business agreement; it is a foundational moment for the urban air mobility industry in India and beyond. It highlights a critical shift in the sector from conceptual designs and prototypes to a serious focus on the operational realities of manufacturing, certification, and fleet management. By integrating a proven digital framework at an early stage, The ePlane Company is setting a new standard for how eVTOL startups can prepare for scalable and safe commercial operations.

As this partnership unfolds, it will serve as a crucial case study for the global UAM market. The successful implementation of Ramco’s software will be instrumental in The ePlane Company’s ability to navigate the rigorous regulatory landscape and manage its fleet with the highest levels of safety and efficiency. This strategic fusion of hardware innovation and software expertise is precisely what is needed to turn the promise of clean, fast, and accessible urban air travel into a tangible reality for millions.

FAQ

Question: What is The ePlane Company’s main project?
Answer: The ePlane Company’s main project is the e200X, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to be used as an air taxi, air ambulance, and for air cargo to revolutionize urban mobility.

Question: What is the purpose of the MOU with Ramco Systems?
Answer: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is for The ePlane Company to adopt Ramco’s comprehensive Aviation Software to manage the entire lifecycle of its e200X aircraft, including engineering, maintenance, operations, and compliance, as it moves toward commercial service.

Question: Has the e200X been approved by authorities?
Answer: The ePlane Company is the first private Indian company to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from India’s DGCA for an electric aircraft. The formal type Certification process for the e200X has been in progress since December 2024.

Sources: Ramco Systems Press Release