Natilus, a US-based aerospace company known for its blended-wing aircraft designs, has announced its formal entry into the Indian aviation market with the launch of Natilus India, a wholly owned subsidiary based in Mumbai. The new entity will be led by Ravi Bhatia, appointed as Regional Director, and will oversee the company’s operations, partnerships, and market expansion within the country.
Alongside the establishment of its Indian presence, Natilus revealed its first commercial collaboration in the region with SpiceJet Ltd, one of India’s leading passenger airlines. Under this agreement, SpiceJet intends to acquire 100 units of Natilus’ flagship passenger aircraft, HORIZON, subject to certification and regulatory approvals in India. Once inducted, SpiceJet will become the first airline in the country to operate the HORIZON aircraft, aligning with its efforts to enhance sustainability and introduce next-generation aviation technologies.
Natilus India will focus on introducing the company’s family of blended-wing body aircraft to Indian operators and will work closely with SpiceJet to support deployment and long-term integration. The move also enables Natilus to explore sourcing and manufacturing opportunities within India, contributing to local industrial participation in the aerospace supply chain.
Ravi Bhatia stated that India presents a strong opportunity for more efficient and environmentally responsible aircraft, particularly for airlines seeking to balance growth with affordability. He added that establishing a local subsidiary is a foundational step toward building long-term partnerships with Indian carriers and supporting their evolving operational needs.
Natilus is currently developing both passenger and cargo aircraft, including the HORIZON passenger plane and the KONA cargo platform. Its blended-wing design delivers significant improvements in aerodynamics, allowing for increased capacity, reduced fuel consumption, and lower operating costs. The HORIZON aircraft can carry up to 240 passengers in high-density configurations, making it well suited for India’s high-demand domestic and regional routes. Deliveries are planned to begin in the 2030s.
Aleksey Matyushev, CEO and Co-Founder of Natilus, said India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector requires innovative aircraft solutions that can support new routes while improving efficiency. He noted that the HORIZON aircraft represents a forward-looking approach that aligns with both India’s growth ambitions and the global push for sustainable aviation.
Natilus is a US-based aerospace company focused on developing next-generation blended-wing aircraft designed to make air travel and cargo transport more efficient and sustainable. Founded in 2016, the company is building a family of passenger and freight aircraft that leverage advanced aerodynamics to reduce fuel consumption, lower operating costs, and increase payload capacity compared to conventional designs. With a growing global order book and a team drawn from leading aerospace organisations, Natilus aims to address the evolving needs of airlines and cargo operators by delivering innovative, high-performance aircraft solutions for future aviation markets.
