Volocopter and Jet Systems want to bring eVTOLs to France
The press release specifically states that this is a “long-term agreement,” meaning that Volocopter is confident that it will be able to turn around operations. The German company has been struggling financially and even filed for insolvency at the end of last year.
But first to the now signed deal: The service will first take off in Paris, says Volocopter. Flight routes have been established and received the green light from European and French authorities. “From thereon, the partnership will extend to France’s southwest and southeast regions, where it will capitalize on Jet System’s proven helicopter routes that currently serve up to 15,000 passengers per year,” the company specifies.
Volocopter will deliver two VoloCity eVTOL aircraft “after certification under the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA).” The company already received an extension to its Production Organisation Approval from the German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) a year ago, paving the way for series production. Andreas Fehring, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Volocopter, adds that “75% of our EASA audits” are completed and “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.”
On top of the aircraft, Volocopter will contribute its know-how, as well as pilot training and VoloIQ, “the digital backbone of fleet management and operations.” Personnel, including pilots and ground crew, will come from Jet Systems. The French will also be in charge of any deals with cities and infrastructure partners.
The deal is, of course, subject to the successful reorganisation of Volocopter. As mentioned above, Volocopter filed for insolvency with the Karlsruhe Local Court on 26 December 2024. The proceedings are still ongoing, and Volocopter is looking for partners and investors.
Volocopter was founded in Bruchsal in 2011 and develops all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Like several companies in this future-oriented sector, Volocopter is about to obtain type certification and launch its urban eVTOL called VoloCity. However, Volocopter required a great deal of capital for its development. In the end, investors made themselves scarce: “Despite recent intensive fundraising efforts, finding a viable solution to maintain regular operations outside of insolvency proceedings has not been possible,” the company writes. However, “with one of the lowest burn rates in the industry, Volocopter has successfully operated in an extremely difficult financial environment.”
The new deal with Jet Systems will not be enough to get the company out of the red. However, the deal signals that there is hope for the German startup. As reported in November, one potential investor could come from China. Geely is said to be prepared to buy around 85 per cent of the shares in Volocopter. However, there have been no official statements about a possible partnership.
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