Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) has unveiled a new strategy to establish the country as a hub for drones and electric flying taxis (eVTOL), with plans for the first test routes for air taxis to be operational by 2026. Transport Minister Volker Wissing believes that drones and air taxis will revolutionize air mobility, highlighting the potential of these technologies to transform the transport landscape.
The strategy, designed to guide operators in the sector, is set to unfold in four phases through 2032. The first phase will involve the establishment of test routes for air taxis by 2026. By 2028, geographically limited areas for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations will be designated, with regional transport to be integrated by 2030. The final phase, expected by 2032, will see the expansion of AAM operations to a nationwide scale.
Key elements of the strategy include the development of vertiports, specialized take-off and landing sites for eVTOLs, as well as a pilot qualification program. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the creation of a legal framework, safety protocols, and new route concepts. The BMDV is also focused on promoting innovations within the AAM sector, providing support for research projects, and fostering close collaboration with industry and academic institutions.
The ministry plans to establish real-world AAM laboratories in 2025 to explore topics such as integrating eVTOLs into existing transportation infrastructure and developing the required safety systems. Furthermore, a research project will focus on the construction of vertiports in German cities. The BMDV aims to make Germany an attractive environment for investment, with funding initiatives and incentives to support AAM development, including an upcoming investor conference.
Minister Wissing emphasized that AAM technology will benefit society as a whole, rather than just business travelers. “AAM will not be an elite project for business travellers but will benefit society as a whole,” he wrote in the strategy paper. “Especially as transport drones and eVTOL will also be used in regions that are currently difficult or impossible to reach using conventional means of transport.”
Despite recent setbacks in the air taxi sector, including Lilium’s insolvency filing and concerns over state support for air taxi manufacturers, the BMDV is focused on ensuring that Germany does not fall behind in the rapidly growing AAM industry. However, the strategy paper does not mention the challenges faced by companies like Lilium and Volocopter.
Source: bmdv.bund.de
