Volocopter's Passenger Flights Delayed Until 2026

Volocopter, the German aerospace company known for its electric air taxis, has announced that it will not be ready to commence passenger flights until 2026. This delay follows the recent acquisition by the Chinese conglomerate Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, which rescued the company from impending bankruptcy.

Wanfeng Auto Holding Group confirmed its purchase of Volocopter for EUR10 million in early March. Due to the ongoing restructuring processes and the insolvency proceedings, the company is now aiming for the certification required to operate passenger flights through the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by 2026, as stated by a company representative.

Initially, the company had anticipated receiving this certification in 2025, but priorities have shifted towards stabilizing and restructuring the organization. The focus now lies on ensuring operational viability and integrating new strategies following the acquisition.

Volocopter specializes in creating electric-powered aircraft designed specifically for urban air mobility. Their flagship model, the Volocity, resembles a helicopter but lacks a tail rotor, utilizing 18 rotors mounted on a frame above the cockpit. This innovative air taxi is capable of transporting two passengers over distances of approximately 20 kilometers at a maximum speed of 100 km/h.

Despite EASA approving the design and granting permission for production, Volocopter has yet to secure the necessary certification for passenger operations. The company had initially planned to launch flights during the Paris Olympics; however, those plans were thwarted due to the absence of the required approvals.

Following the acquisition, Wanfeng has rebranded Volocopter as Volocopter Technologies and integrated it into its subsidiary, Diamond Aircraft Industries, an Austrian aircraft manufacturer, while maintaining its headquarters in Bruchsal, Germany.

As part of the acquisition and restructuring efforts, 160 employees from Volocopter GmbH were retained to preserve essential expertise and operational capabilities within Volocopter Technologies. The company is currently concentrated on ensuring stability and preparing for future growth.

Founded in 2011, Volocopter filed for insolvency at the end of December 2024. Prior to this, there were rumors regarding a potential acquisition by the Chinese automotive giant Geely. At its peak, Volocopter was valued at EUR1.5 billion and employed over 600 staff members.