Deepinder Goyal's LAT Aerospace Launches Ambitious Jet Engine Project in Bengaluru

Deepinder Goyal, co-founder of Zomato, has set his sights on revolutionising India’s aviation sector with his startup LAT Aerospace.

The company announced the establishment of a propulsion research center in Bengaluru, dedicated to building India’s first indigenous gas turbine engines from scratch.

The initiative aims to design lightweight, efficient, and flight-ready engines to power short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and regional connectivity solutions.

Goyal, who has invested $20 million in LAT Aerospace, shared the news in a LinkedIn post, stating, “India has tried building gas turbine engines before. And we’ve come close. At LAT, we want to get past the finish line.”

The company's Bengaluru facility will house advanced laboratories for combustion, turbomachinery, thermal systems, and materials development.

The project emphasises a hands-on, engineer-led approach, with Goyal noting, “No chasing slides or meetings - just problem-solving, running bench tests, and building hardware.”

LAT Aerospace, co-founded with former Zomato COO Surobhi Das, focuses on transforming regional air travel in India.

The startup aims to develop a network of high-frequency, low-cost, 24-seater STOL aircraft capable of operating from compact “air-stops” no larger than parking lots.

Das highlighted the untapped potential of India’s aviation infrastructure in a LinkedIn post, stating, “India has over 450 airstrips, but only 150 see commercial flights. Millions in Tier 2 and 3 cities spend hours traveling by road or rail.”

The company has reportedly raised $50 million in seed funding to support its vision.

The propulsion research team will prioritise designing gas turbine engines to power these STOL aircraft, which are intended to connect underserved towns and cities.

Goyal emphasised that the project is engineer-driven, free from bureaucratic delays.

“This team will be led by engineers. No waiting for approvals from business people,” he said.

The startup is actively recruiting professionals with experience in turbines, rotors, and control systems, inviting applications at engines@lat.com.

LAT Aerospace’s jet engine project marks a significant step toward aerospace self-reliance in India.

The engines are expected to support not only STOL aircraft but also UAVs and other aviation systems, potentially impacting defence and rural connectivity.

Goyal acknowledged the challenge, stating, “It won’t be easy. But if it works, it changes everything. A full engine stack, built locally.”

The company’s broader mission is to make air travel as accessible as bus travel.

By leveraging underutilised airstrips and innovative aircraft designs, LAT aims to reduce travel times and costs for millions in non-metro areas.

The startup’s focus on STOL technology positions it to compete with established aircraft manufacturers like ATR and Bombardier, whose planes are used by Indian airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet.

In July, Goyal clarified rumours about LAT Aerospace purchasing a Bombardier Global jet, stating on X, “LAT is a startup and has not bought any private jet. We are focused on building aircraft for regional aviation.”

He added, “I don’t own one personally either. Will be nice to have one though.”

The clarification followed reports that a Bombardier jet was parked at Delhi airport’s VIP bay since June 2025.

LAT Aerospace, operating independently from Eternal (formerly Zomato), is led by Das, with Goyal serving as a non-executive co-founder.

The startup is also hiring aerospace engineers, systems designers, and aviation enthusiasts to drive its ambitious roadmap.