- Volocopter flies in France during the Olympics
The Baden-Württemberg-based flying taxi manufacturer conducted a test flight near the equestrian and pentathlon venue during the Olympic Games. CEO Dirk Hoke described this as a significant milestone. The validation phase for regular urban electric flight operations began from a dedicated airport in Saint-Cyr-l'École near Paris.
These innovative, multi-rotor aircraft that take off and land vertically are set to revolutionize aviation, particularly in densely populated cities, providing an alternative to road traffic. However, before Volocopter can transport passengers, the Bruchsal-based company near Karlsruhe needs approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is still pending. Hoke expects that the first flights in limited numbers could be offered in the coming year.
Initially, it was planned to offer flying taxis on three connecting and two tourist routes during the Paris Olympics. Five landing platforms, or 'vertiports', were planned, including one on a pontoon on the Seine.
The test flight of Volocopter's flying taxis took place close to the equestrian and pentathlon venue during the Olympic Games, which were hosted in a city known as Paris. Hoke's expectations suggest that limited passenger flights using these aircraft might become available in Paris in the upcoming year.
