Paris Prepares for eVTOL Passenger Flights

Volocopter, an urban air mobility (UAM) provider, and Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services, a licensed air service, signed an agreement to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft services to France.

This long-term agreement covers the initial delivery of two VoloCity eVTOL aircraft after it is certified under the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA). In addition, Volocopter will contribute its expertise in product, maintenance, pilot training, and VoloIQ, the digital backbone of fleet management and operations. Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services will provide general airline services, including securing personnel (ground crew, pilots, and maintenance), while liaising with cities and infrastructure partners to secure operations.

The services are set to begin in Paris, where European and French authorities have an established and approved network of eVTOL flight routes and infrastructure. This security comes from years of partnership with Groupe ADP and multiple discussions with the Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC), ensuring the safety of eVTOLs in the air and on the ground. From thereon, the partnership will extend to France's southwest and southeast regions, where it will capitalize on Jet System’s helicopter routes that currently serve up to 15,000 passengers per year.

Andreas Fehring, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Volocopter said: “We are excited to partner with Jet Systems and secure eVTOL operations in Paris, where we have invested our efforts for many years. With 75% of our EASA audits completed, Volocopter is close to and committed to achieving VoloCity’s EASA certification as soon as possible to meet our customers’ expectations and cities’ commitments to bring sustainable mobilities into service.”