Foto: Volocopter
In November 2023, at the invitation of New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the Volocopter 2X took part in the world’s largest and first public event to showcase multiple electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in a city center. Volocopter successfully and safely performed flights in the heart of two of the world’s busiest metropolitan cities, NYC and Singapore. The success of this flight is further evidence of the company’s 2024 goal to bring safe, quiet and sustainable UAM to megacities worldwide.
With the iconic skyline of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge in the background, the Volocopter 2X electric air cab flew manned, stable, quiet and smoothly along the East River. Volocopter’s multicopter design is particularly suitable for flights in cities, producing no emissions in flight and very little noise pollution, which is barely audible in a turbulent metropolis like NYC.
At the event, the City of New York presented its vision for the future of the heliport in downtown Manhattan, which aims to reduce emissions and noise pollution and improve the quality of life for local residents. In future, eVTOL aircraft will also be able to take off from helipads such as the DMH. New York is also planning to reduce traffic congestion through additional mobility options while meeting the transportation needs of one of the world’s busiest cities. DMH is a well-known transportation hub for travelers needing a flight to neighboring airports or for tourist flights over the New York skyline.
Since 2018, Volocopter has already flown in the US in Las Vegas, Oshkosh, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tampa and now New York City. Volocopter expects final certification of its commercial eVTOL aircraft, the VoloCity, by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2024. The company is also in a parallel validation process with the FAA.
You can read this and other articles on the subject of electromobility & autonomous driving in the current eMove360° magazine in german language. Download for free or order the print edition in the shop.
