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Volocopter in Japan: local approval and further investment in Series E

Volocopter, the pioneer of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), recently announced that Sumitomo Corporation, the Fortune 500 company and one of the largest trading companies in the world, has invested in the company’s Series -E financing round. Sumitomo thus also becomes a key strategic partner for the commercial launch in the Japanese market starting in 2025. In addition, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has accepted Volocopter’s application for a concurrent type certificate (TC) for the VoloCity in Japan. To raise regional public awareness of air cabs and increase acceptance of this new mobility, Volocopter will exhibit a static VoloCity model in Osaka from March 8-12.

As early as 2021, Volocopter announced plans to fly its electric air cab, VoloCity, at EXPO Osaka Kansai 2025. The EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and JCAB announced today that they have accepted Volocopter’s application for simultaneous approval of the VoloCity for commercial operations in Japan: an important regulatory milestone to achieve its ambitious market launch goals in the country. Volocopter is currently advancing flight testing under EASA approval for its VoloCity air cab, which is expected in 2024. The company is seeking simultaneous validation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S. and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in Singapore, in addition to JCAB in Japan.

Volocopter’s collaboration with Japan dates back to 2018, when the country was one of the first to announce its commitment to UAM adoption. This included a clear roadmap outlining the necessary steps for public education, regulatory rollout and commercial services. Volocopter has both the necessary experience and expertise to work with local authorities to create a UAM ecosystem for safe and sustainable electric air cabs.

Sumitomo’s investment in Volocopter’s Round E financing strengthens the companies’ strategic relationship. Sumitomo Corporation has a strong understanding of the global economic market, the energy and commodity sectors, and the Japanese market. Thus, Volocopter is diversifying its international partnerships and strengthening its global UAM ecosystem.

To drive public acceptance of electric air cabs in Japan, Volocopter will exhibit its full-size static VoloCity model from March 8-12. The event will be held at Grand Front Osaka, a busy shopping mall near Osaka Umeda Station, with 2.3 million daily passengers. Since late 2022, Volocopter has been hosting UAM knowledge seminars for elementary school children in Osaka as part of its collaboration with the prefectural government. This same future generation of UAM passengers will also be offered VoloCity tours as part of the event. www.volocopter.com

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01.03.2023   |  

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