Volocopter flies in Paris: state of play in the eVTOL industry
Volocopter is the German manufacturer behind the VoloCity, a 2-seater eVTOL optimised for shorter urban missions. Holding the top spot on the Advanced Air Mobility Reality Index and having announced plans for an air taxi service during the 2024 Olympics, Volocopter did ultimately take to the skies in Paris but lacked passengers, owing to a number of challenges. CEO Dirk Hoke celebrated the campaign after the concluding flight at Versailles:This unprecedented flight marks the conclusion of this summer’s multi-day operational validation test campaign at the Aerodrome of Saint-Cyr-l'Ecole and Versailles. Volocopter and its partners aspire to return to Paris later in the year to fly our eVTOL aircraft in central Paris.
There are a few reasons for the air taxi service not materialising in time for July 2024, not least of which is the ongoing certification which is required for commercial flights. However, Volocopter’s activity in Paris did highlight three important considerations for all AAM companies:
- Ambitions to fly at major world events is a highly visible strategy
- Winning the support of local communities and partners is vital
- We can celebrate when aerospace projects prioritise diligence over deadlines
Other OEMs are planning flights at major world events in the coming months and years, each of which is a highly complex challenge. However, as the AAM industry maintains its focussed goal to introduce advanced aircraft to the world, any campaign which takes a step forward is to be encouraged.
Image credit: Volocopter
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