Makmor Signs LoI for 10 MD Aircraft eViator Electric Planes for India

Bengaluru-based business consulting firm Makmor has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with German manufacturer MD Aircraft GmbH to acquire 10 all-electric regional passenger aircraft. The agreement targets the growing demand for air travel in India's regional markets and marks a significant step toward establishing zero-emission air mobility in the country. The deal is one of the first structured fleet commitments for the MDA1 eViator, a nine-seater, all-electric Short Take-Off and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft.

This preliminary agreement positions India as a potential early adopter in the nascent market for sustainable regional aviation. The MDA1 eViator is specifically designed to operate from shorter, underutilized airstrips, which aligns with India's goal of enhancing connectivity to its tier-2 and tier-3 cities. By leveraging electric propulsion, the aircraft is projected to deliver substantially lower operating costs and near-zero emissions, addressing both economic and environmental challenges in regional transportation.

Aircraft and Timeline

The MDA1 eViator is at the center of the agreement. As a nine-passenger eSTOL aircraft, its design allows for operations from runways significantly shorter than those required by conventional turboprops, opening up hundreds of existing but underused airfields across India. This capability is crucial for making regional air travel more accessible and economically viable.

According to the timeline provided by Makmor, the development path for the aircraft is ambitious but defined. Initial flight tests for the MDA1 eViator are targeted for 2028. Following a comprehensive testing and validation phase, the aircraft is planned for certification and entry into commercial service by 2030. This timeline depends on successful development and regulatory approvals from both European and Indian authorities.

Strategic Vision for Indian Aviation

The initiative is led by Makmor's founder, Ravi Andrews, an industry veteran with previous experience at Honeywell Aerospace and Airbus Defence & Space. Andrews framed the move as a transformative leap for Indian aviation. “India’s next aviation leap will not be incremental — it will be transformational,” he stated. “Electric regional aircraft offer a real opportunity to reduce operating costs while dramatically cutting emissions.”

The strategy directly supports India's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), a government-led effort to make air travel affordable and widespread. By connecting smaller cities, the project aims to stimulate economic growth and provide faster transportation options to millions of people currently underserved by the national aviation network.

Gregor Miller, CEO of MD Aircraft GmbH, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the growing international confidence in the technology. “This LoI reflects increasing global confidence in practical, certifiable electric regional aircraft,” Miller said. “We see strong alignment between India’s regional connectivity goals and the MDA1’s operating economics and sustainability profile.”

Regulatory Path and Market Context

For the MDA1 eViator to operate in India, it will require a dual-certification process. As a German-manufactured aircraft, it will first need to secure type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Subsequently, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will need to validate that certification before granting approval for commercial operations within the country. This rigorous process ensures the aircraft meets stringent international and national safety standards.

The LoI from Makmor contributes to a growing order book for MD Aircraft. According to industry reports, the company held provisional orders for 110 MDA1 eViator aircraft under various letters of intent as of late 2025. These commitments, from operators in Germany, Ireland, and the United States, signal broad market interest in the eSTOL platform and its potential to revolutionize regional air services globally.

Why This Matters

This agreement represents more than just a fleet acquisition; it is a strategic move that could pioneer a new model for regional connectivity in emerging economies. If successful, the Makmor-MD Aircraft partnership will provide a blueprint for deploying sustainable and cost-effective air travel solutions in markets with underdeveloped infrastructure. The project’s success will heavily depend on the aircraft meeting its performance targets and navigating the complex certification pathways by the 2030 deadline.

For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights. Get the latest updates on major hubs, regional terminals, and airport operations via the Airports section at flying.flights/airports.