Jet Systems confident in Volocopter as it partners for Paris eVTOL operations
February 25, 2025
Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services has partnered with Volocopter to “bring electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft services to France,” remaining confident the insolvent German eVTOL developer will complete the development of its VoloCity craft and achieve EASA type certification.
No timeline has been specified to the agreement (described by Volocopter as “long-term”), although the arrangement will cover the initial delivery of two aircraft after the VoloCity receives EASA type certification – something Volocopter indicated in December 2024 it expected to happen in 2025.
“We are excited to partner with Jet Systems and secure eVTOL operations in Paris, where we have invested our efforts for many years,” explained Volocopter’s managing director and chief operating officer Andreas Fehring. With European and French authorities having already established and approved a network of eVTOL flights routes and infrastructure within the capital, “from thereon, the partnership will extend to France’s southwest and southeast regions, where it will capitalise on Jet System’s proven helicopter routes that currently serve up to 15,000 passengers a year,” continued Volocopter.
However, the project isn’t without its challenges. Volocopter filed for insolvency in late December 2024, admitting that, despite a high level of technological maturity, it nevertheless “needs financing to take the final steps towards market entry”. Still, business operations have been continuing as normal during the insolvency proceedings, with Volocopter stating in January: “VoloCity flight testing remains Volocopter’s priority and operational norm this year,” with flight tests happening as often as weather permits.
Although Volocopter’s earlier plans of conducting passenger sightseeing flights or demonstration flights at last year’s Paris Olympics also did not transpire, it did nevertheless make a short ascent from within the Palace of Versailles, supported by longstanding partners Groupe ADP and the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC). “Today’s flight in this exceptional environment was the perfect closing ceremony to our summer, and we look forward to returning to Paris very soon,” concluded Volocopter CEO Dirk Hoke at the time.
