Why Deepinder Goyal is Betting Big on India’s Air Future?
In a surprising move, Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal has ventured into the aerospace sector by co-founding LAT Aerospace with Surobhi Das. Incorporated in January 2025, the startup is focused on developing 12-24 seat short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft and propulsion systems to improve regional connectivity in India. Based in Bengaluru, LAT Aerospace is currently hiring talent and is committed to research and development (R&D) aligned with India’s UDAN scheme.
The decision to enter the aerospace sector may seem unexpected, given Goyal’s background in food technology and the success of Zomato. However, Goyal’s move is not without strategic reasoning. India’s aviation sector is growing rapidly, with the government’s UDAN scheme aimed at making air travel more accessible to the masses. The scheme, which stands for “Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik” or “Empowering the Common Man of India,” has been instrumental in connecting smaller towns and cities with the rest of the country.
Goyal’s entry into the aerospace sector is a direct response to the government’s initiative. With LAT Aerospace, he is betting big on India’s air future, which is expected to become one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. The startup’s focus on STOL aircraft and propulsion systems is particularly significant, as it addresses the need for more efficient and cost-effective transportation in the country.
STOL aircraft are designed to operate in small airports or even rough terrain, making them ideal for connecting smaller towns and cities. Goyal’s decision to focus on STOL aircraft is a strategic move to tap into the UDAN scheme, which aims to connect these smaller towns and cities with the rest of the country.
The UDAN scheme has been a game-changer for the Indian aviation sector, with several airlines and startups already benefiting from the initiative. The scheme has helped to reduce the cost of air travel, making it more accessible to the masses. With LAT Aerospace’s focus on STOL aircraft and propulsion systems, the startup is well-positioned to benefit from the scheme and tap into the growing demand for air travel in India.
Goyal’s experience in the food technology sector has given him a unique perspective on the Indian market. His success with Zomato has taught him the importance of understanding consumer behavior and the need for innovation to stay ahead of the competition. These skills will be essential in the aerospace sector, where innovation and disruption are key to success.
LAT Aerospace’s plan to develop STOL aircraft and propulsion systems is a significant step forward in the country’s aviation sector. The startup’s focus on R&D is expected to drive innovation and bring down the cost of air travel, making it more accessible to the masses. The government’s support for the startup is evident in its decision to align with the UDAN scheme, which is expected to boost regional connectivity and create new opportunities for air travel.
Goyal’s decision to enter the aerospace sector is also a testament to his confidence in India’s growth story. The country is expected to become one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, driven by its large population, growing middle class, and increasing urbanization. The aviation sector is expected to play a significant role in this growth story, with the government’s initiatives aimed at making air travel more accessible to the masses.
In conclusion, Deepinder Goyal’s decision to enter the aerospace sector with LAT Aerospace is a strategic move to tap into India’s growing air travel market. The startup’s focus on STOL aircraft and propulsion systems is a direct response to the government’s UDAN scheme, which aims to improve regional connectivity and make air travel more accessible to the masses. Goyal’s experience in the food technology sector has given him a unique perspective on the Indian market, and his skills will be essential in driving innovation and disruption in the aerospace sector. With LAT Aerospace, Goyal is betting big on India’s air future, and his decision is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s aviation sector.
Source:
https://ascendants.in/business-stories/zomato-lat-aerospace-launch-india/
