Ever wished you could hop on a flight from your small town as easily as catching a bus? Deepinder Goyal, the brain behind Zomato, is making this dream real with LAT Aerospace.
Announced on June 29, 2025, this aviation startup promises affordable, frequent flights to connect India’s overlooked cities. With $50 million raised and a bold vision, Goyal’s new venture could change how millions travel. Ready to soar with the details? Let’s dive in!
- The Big Idea: LAT Aerospace’s plan to transform regional air travel.
- Goyal’s Vision: Why Zomato’s founder is betting on aviation.
- How It Works: STOL aircraft and “air-stops” for easy access.
- Funding and Team: $50 million raised, led by Goyal and Surobhi Das.
- Impact on India: Connecting Tier 2/3 cities like never before.
- Quick Summary: Key facts for busy readers.
- Challenges Ahead: Regulatory and infrastructure hurdles to overcome.
- Why 2025 Matters: A pivotal year for India’s aviation revolution.
The Big Idea Behind LAT Aerospace
LAT Aerospace, launched by Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal and former Zomato COO Surobhi Das, aims to make regional air travel as easy and affordable as a bus ride.
India has over 450 airstrips, but only 150 are used commercially, leaving two-thirds untapped. LAT plans to use short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft with 12–24 seats to connect Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities like Bhopal, Jodhpur, or Siliguri.
These planes will use compact “air-stops”—think parking lot-sized runways—near residential areas, skipping the chaos of big airports.
Deepinder Goyal’s Vision
Goyal, who built Zomato into a food-tech giant, saw a gap in India’s regional travel while flying across the country. “Why is air travel so expensive and out of reach for most Indians?”
he asked, as shared by Surobhi Das on LinkedIn. LAT Aerospace is his answer: affordable, high-frequency flights to connect smaller cities ignored by major airlines.
With a net worth of $1.3 billion, Goyal’s $20 million personal investment shows his belief in this “buses in the sky” concept, aiming to mirror Zomato’s accessibility in aviation.
How LAT Aerospace Works
LAT Aerospace is designing STOL aircraft with a range of up to 1,500 km, perfect for short regional hops. Unlike traditional planes needing long runways, STOL aircraft can take off and land on small “air-stops” near towns.
No long security lines, no crowded airports—just walk in and fly. This could cut travel time for millions who rely on long bus or train journeys.
For example, a trip from Agra to Varanasi, a 10-hour drive, could take under 2 hours by air. The startup is hiring aerospace engineers and aviation enthusiasts to bring this vision to life.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | 12–24 seater STOL planes |
| Range | Up to 1,500 km |
| Landing Area | Compact “air-stops” (parking lot size) |
| Target Cities | Tier 2/3 (e.g., Bhopal, Jodhpur, Siliguri) |
Funding and Leadership
LAT Aerospace has raised $50 million, with $20 million from Goyal and $30 million from other investors, fueling its ambitious plans. Surobhi Das, ex-Zomato COO, leads as co-founder, bringing operational expertise from scaling Zomato.
Goyal, a non-executive co-founder, provides mentorship and vision.
The startup is competing with global players like ATR and Bombardier, whose planes are used by IndiGo and SpiceJet. X posts, like @Psuedosecular’s, highlight the buzz, noting the $50 million funding and focus on Tier 2/3 connectivity.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding | $50 million ($20M from Goyal) |
| Co-Founders | Deepinder Goyal, Surobhi Das |
| Competitors | ATR, Bombardier |
| Hiring | Aerospace engineers, system designers |
Impact on Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, home to millions, lack affordable air travel. Long road or rail journeys are the norm—think 12 hours from Patna to Ranchi.
LAT Aerospace could slash these times, boosting business, tourism, and connectivity. For example, students in Tier 3 cities could access coaching hubs faster, and small businesses could reach markets easily.
With only 150 of 450 airstrips active, LAT’s “air-stops” could unlock India’s aviation potential, making flying as common as taking a bus.
Quick Summary
- What: LAT Aerospace, launched by Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal, aims for affordable regional flights.
- How: 12–24 seater STOL planes using compact “air-stops.”
- Funding: $50 million, including $20 million from Goyal.
- Leaders: Goyal (non-executive co-founder), Surobhi Das (ex-Zomato COO).
- Impact: Connects Tier 2/3 cities like Bhopal, cuts travel time.
- Action: Follow updates on LAT’s hiring and progress via metroskope.in.
- Why 2025: A nascent aviation market ripe for disruption.
Challenges to Overcome
LAT Aerospace faces hurdles:
- Regulations: Aviation approvals in India are strict, with safety and environmental norms to clear.
- Infrastructure: Building “air-stops” needs land and local government support.
- Adoption: Convincing people in smaller cities to fly instead of taking buses or trains.
- Competition: Global giants like ATR and Bombardier dominate regional aircraft markets.
Goyal’s track record with Zomato, however, gives hope. His ability to scale a startup against odds suggests LAT could succeed with strategic execution.
Why 2025 Is the Year for LAT Aerospace
India’s aviation market is booming, with 153 million passengers in 2024 and 300 million projected by 2030. Yet, regional travel remains underserved, with metro-focused airlines like IndiGo dominating.
LAT Aerospace’s timing is perfect: rising demand, untapped airstrips, and government pushes like UDAN for regional connectivity align with its vision. X posts, like @NDTVProfitIndia’s, highlight public excitement, noting LAT’s potential to make flying as seamless as railways.
With Goyal’s $20 million bet, 2025 could mark a new era for India’s skies.
Tips for Staying Updated
- Follow LAT Aerospace: Check their LinkedIn for hiring updates and progress.
- Track News: Visit metroskope.in for the latest on startups and aviation.
- Engage on X: Posts from @stcokaficionado and others share real-time buzz.
- Explore UDAN: Learn about government schemes supporting regional aviation.
Deepinder Goyal’s LAT Aerospace is set to transform how India travels, bringing affordable flights to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. With $50 million in funding, STOL aircraft, and “air-stops,” LAT could make flying as easy as catching a bus.
Despite challenges like regulations, Goyal’s vision and Surobhi Das’s leadership make this a startup to watch. Stay tuned to metroskope.in for updates on this aviation revolution and join the journey to connect India’s skies in 2025!
