Urban air mobility pioneer Volocopter has revealed that its fixed-wing passenger aircraft completed its maiden flight towards the end of May, becoming among the first air taxi firms to have its entire fleet undergoing flight tests…

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With a planned top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and a rough range of 97 km (60 miles), the “VoloConnect” air taxi has been designed for use in large cities, connecting suburbia and commercial centres such as central London or downtown Los Angeles without the risk of traffic holdups.

Should air taxi technology become viable, it should provide a cheap, clean and easy method to allow for people living in settlements outside of major cities to reach the hearts of urban areas, for both business and pleasure.

The company, which was founded in Germany in 2011, could soon see its taxis in commercial use, with plans to start launching its models by 2026 at the latest.

(Source: Industry Europe, by Ash Jones June 8, 2022)