Volocopter, a startup from Bruchsal, Germany, has successfully conducted a test flight at Saint-Cyr-l’École airfield, marking a significant step for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology. This flight took place at the first customized commercial vertiport for eVTOLs, located about 25 kilometers from Paris.
Test Flight Details
The test flight, lasting just two minutes, involved a pilot launching the aircraft, performing a brief loop over the surrounding fields, and landing back at the airfield. Although Volocopter had initially planned to use its new Volocity model, the test was conducted with the older 2X model.
Challenges and Changes
Volocopter had originally aimed to launch its air taxi services during the Olympic Games with routes connecting and providing tourist services. However, these plans were hindered by the need for a type certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and opposition from Paris officials, who deemed the Seine vertiport too costly and elitist.
Company Response and Future Plans
Despite these setbacks, Volocopter is celebrating the success of the Saint-Cyr-l’École test flight. CEO Dirk Hoke expressed pride in the company’s progress and the support received from partners, aviation authorities, and Paris. Hoke emphasized that establishing city launches requires time and collaboration.
Volocopter is also planning to use a floating vertiport on the Seine near Austerlitz station later this year. Additionally, the company aims to achieve Type Certification for the VoloCity and will begin testing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Germany with ADAC Luftrettung in 2025.
