Volocopter has completed its first flight test of its air taxi in New York City at what it claims is the world’s largest and first public event showcasing multiple electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The company said it has now conducted flights over New York City and Singapore, two of the busiest metropolitan hubs in the world.
The flight took the 2X air taxi over the Manhattan skyline and near the Brooklyn Bridge. The aircraft is suited for short- to mid-range urban missions like city-to-city travel or daily commutes. The goal is to promote zero emissions in flight and little noise pollution during daily traffic as well as mid-range passenger flights.
During the event, the city of New York outlines a vision for a downtown Manhattan heliport that would accommodate eVTOL aircraft and other types of emission-free vehicles. The aim is to create mobility options that will reduce congestion while simultaneously meeting transportation needs of one of the most populous cities in the world. This would also serve as a transport hub for tourist flights around the city.
“A New York City flight has always been on Volocopter’s mind when designing an eVTOL that could be safe and quiet enough to fly its busy skies,” said Christian Bauer, managing director of Volocopter. “Our flight in NYC proves that we have everything required to make this emerging technology flourish in this city. This event was an amazing opportunity to showcase how electric air taxis can elevate the quality of life in a city that never sleeps. We are confident this will open doors to air taxi commercial operations in more cities in the U.S., and we look forward to flying again soon in the Big Apple.”
