And if the flying taxi project Volocopter was gaining altitude again? The German manufacturer ended 2024 in bankruptcy, after the false start of Paris 2024. Now it is starting 2025 with new ambitions. These are based on the partnership forged on 18 February with France's Jet Systems. The two partners have set themselves the objective: " provide electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft services in France ".
" We are delighted to partner with Jet Systems to secure eVTOL operations in Paris, where we have invested our efforts for many years. "says Andreas Fehring. The Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Volocopter is optimistic that the project will become a reality in French skies. With 75% of our EASA audits completed, Volocopter is close to VoloCity's EASA certification and is committed to obtaining it as soon as possible in order to meet the expectations of our customers and the commitments of cities to implement sustainable mobility. ".
So what about this partnership between Volocopter and Jet Systems Helicopter Services ? The agreement made official at the end of February is based on the long termand still targets Paris as the starting point for the eVTOL adventure. According to Volocopter's management team, the launch in the capital will be based on " years of partnership with the ADP Group and numerous discussions with the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), guaranteeing the safety of eVTOLs in the air and on the ground ". An extension to other French regions is already on the roadmap of the two signatories to the agreement: " the partnership will extend to the south-west and south-east regions of France, where it will capitalise on Jet System's proven helicopter routes, which currently serve up to 15,000 passengers a year ". In the meantime, an initial delivery of two VoloCity aircraft is expected as soon as possible, once certification has been granted by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA).
Michel Moulin, CEO of Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services, says: " We are delighted to partner with Volocopter to offer safe, responsible and environmentally friendly mobility solutions while minimising the impact on local communities in Paris. Thanks to Volocopter's expertise and rigorously certified aircraft, users will be able to discover Paris from a new angle and travel more efficiently. The JSHS teams have joined forces with Volocopter to offer our customers an innovative service tailored to their needs, with a common objective: customer satisfaction and environmental protection. ". To be continued.
