German air taxi developer Volocopter has signed a long-term agreement with French aviation company Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services to introduce electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations in France. The partnership comes as Volocopter continues to navigate insolvency proceedings in Germany.
Under the agreement, services will initially launch in Paris, where flight routes have already been approved by European and French aviation authorities, Volocopter said. The companies plan to expand operations to southwestern and southeastern France, leveraging Jet Systems’ existing helicopter routes, which currently serve around 15,000 passengers annually.
Volocopter plans to deliver two VoloCity eVTOL aircraft once certification is granted by the European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA). The company, which previously secured an extension of its Production Organisation Approval from Germany’s Federal Aviation Authority (LBA), has completed 75% of the required EASA audits. “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,” said Andreas Fehring, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Volocopter.
Beyond aircraft delivery, Volocopter will contribute its expertise in pilot training and fleet management through its digital platform, VoloIQ. Jet Systems will provide pilots and ground crews and manage partnerships with cities and infrastructure providers.
The agreement remains subject to Volocopter’s financial restructuring. The company filed for insolvency with the Karlsruhe Local Court on Dec. 26, 2024, and continues to seek investors. Founded in 2011, Volocopter has been developing eVTOL aircraft for urban mobility but has faced funding challenges. While the company has maintained one of the “lowest burn rates in the industry,” it has struggled to secure sufficient capital to sustain operations.
A potential investment from China’s Geely, which was previously reported to be considering acquiring an 85% stake in Volocopter, could provide financial stability. However, no official confirmation of such a deal has been announced.