Volocopter seeks to acquire the "Type Certification" in the United States
Volocopter Targets US Urban Air Transport Market with VoloCity eVTOL
German company Volocopter, founded in 2011 by Stephan Wolf and Alexander Zosel, is working towards gaining FAA type certification for their air taxi vehicle, the VoloCity. If successful, this would mark a significant step towards entering the US urban air transport market, with cities such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. identified as potential destinations.
Volocopter's offices are based in Bruchsal, Munich, and Singapore. The company has raised significant capital from investors including Daimler, Geely, DB Schenker, Intel Capital, Team Europe, btov, Micron, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, TransLink Capital (Japan Airlines and Sompo Japan Insurance), MS&AD Ventures, Manta Ray, and Ventures.
In December 2020, Volocopter applied for a "Type Certificate" with the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the VoloCity. However, recent updates suggest that the initial expectations for certification in 2024 and deliveries in 2025 may be delayed. Current indications point towards at least 2026 for EASA type certification, and it is likely that FAA certification will follow suit.
The FAA has established a phased certification approach for eVTOL aircraft under the "powered-lift" category. While other manufacturers like Joby Aviation have made significant progress into testing and Type Inspection Authorization stages, Volocopter has not yet announced reaching key FAA milestones.
Volocopter previously obtained the "Design Organization Approval" from the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA), marking a first in the eVTOL segment. The company has made a similar application to EASA in the past.
Volocopter aims to complete the approval process for commercial flights within 2-3 years. If accepted, the FAA certification would open doors for Volocopter to enter the US urban air transport market, offering a new, innovative mode of transportation in some of the country's most populous cities.
Financing from industry leaders like Daimler, Geely, and Intel Capital, among others, has bolstered Volocopter's journey, investing in the company's aerospace technology and commitment to aviation safety. With FAA certification for the VoloCity, Volocopter aiming to establish itself in the US aerospace and finance landscape, offering urban air transport in cities like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.
