Volocopter, a German aviation company developing passenger and cargo eVTOL aircraft, has started crewed validation test flights with its two-seat eVTOL aircraft from the Paris-area Saint-Cyr-l'École airfield.

The validation flights were conducted with Volocopter's 2X technology demonstrator aircraft, having received a permit to fly from France's Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC). Volcopter also aims to develop eVTOL air taxi routes around Paris.

The company also reported that it plans to begin the test phase for emergency medical service operations in 2025 with its German partner, ADAC Luftrettung .

Analyst QuickTake: In July 2024 , Volocopter received approval from the French Ministry of Transport for an eVTOL floating landing pad at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for a public eVTOL demonstration. However, the company changed plans and introduced its eVTOL aircraft in a lower-profile exercise with its validation flights. Volcopter reported it would still fly its eVTOL later in 2024 as planned.