The Aviation industry is facing a crucial turning point in its quest for a sustainable future. In light of the global focus on decarbonization, airlines have primarily relied on sustainable aviation fuel to reduce their carbon footprint. However, it has become increasingly important to explore further alternative technologies such as hydrogen and electric propulsion.
Volocopter, a German air taxi company, is developing electric propulsion technology and launching fully electric air taxi services in 2024. The company’s efforts have the potential to revolutionize the future of aviation and make a significant impact on cities across the globe. Volocopter aims to contribute to aviation decarbonization goals through electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) solutions already from 2024, adding a new safe, sustainable, and significantly quiet urban air mobility (UAM) transport option.
Technological Innovation for Sustainable Flight
The commitment of our industry to decarbonization is evident in its groundbreaking technology. Volocopter’s founders achieved a significant milestone in 2011 by conducting the world’s first crewed flight with an electric multicopter. This achievement sparked a revolution in the aviation industry, proving the feasibility of all-electric vertical crewed flight. Today, Volocopter’s family of aircraft, which includes VoloCity, VoloRegion, and VoloDrone, operate on electric propulsion systems with zero emissions during flight. Its dedication to increasing aircraft energy efficiency and embracing circularity ensures optimal resource utilization and extended component lifetime, resulting in a sustainable aviation ecosystem.
Pioneering Regulatory Advancements
Volocopter is not just focused on technological innovation but is also actively working to push regulatory boundaries. The company collaborates with governments and regulatory bodies worldwide to advocate for the development of rules that encourage the adoption of electric aviation.. Volocopter has been crucial in establishing regulatory frameworks for eVTOL certification, working closely with organizations like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
In addition, the company is involved in sustainability related regulatory activities, aligning its efforts with global initiatives such as the European Union’s Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation (AZEA), the EASA IAM (Innovative Air Mobility) Hub initiative, and the German working group on climate-neutral aviation (Arbeitskreis Klimaneutrale Luftfahrt). Most importantly, the company is enabling concurrent certification cooperating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the Civil Aviation Bureau of Japan (JCAB), and many other regulators globally.
Transforming Air Traffic Regulation
Besides impacting the technology and regulations of the aviation industry, Volocopter is also co-creating the rules of the urban mobility landscape. By enabling passenger transport in areas previously inaccessible to traditional aircraft due to safety and noise requirements, Volocopter is actively influencing air traffic regulations. The air taxi manufactured by Volocopter, which is 4 to 5 times quieter than conventional helicopters, produces only 65 decibels of noise1 during flight at 100km/h, and enhances urban mobility without compromising tranquility.
A Future Closer Than You Think
Volocopter’s commitment to decarbonization is not just a vision; it’s a reality taking flight. The safety certification program of its aircraft under EASA, which requires the same safety standards as a commercial airline, is well-progressed, signifying a robust commitment to passenger safety. With
commercial air taxi services set to launch in cities like Paris, Rome, the NEOM region, and Osaka, Volocopter is on the cusp of transforming urban transportation. These services will not only reduce congestion in urban areas but also contribute significantly to more efficient and sustainable communities.
By accelerating electric propulsion technology, pioneering innovative regulatory frameworks, and reshaping air traffic regulations, Volocopter is leading the charge toward a more sustainable future for aviation. Its achievements and progress prove that the future of green flight is a tangible reality now, not decades in the future.
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