French Helicopter Operator Signs For Volocopter's VoloCity eVTOL Aircraft

French Helicopter Operator Signs For Volocopter's VoloCity eVTOL

Sales agreement signed as German manufacturer seeks funding to avoid insolvency

Volocopter flew demonstration flights with its VoloCity eVTOL aircraft during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

February 18, 2025

French charter operator Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services has signed an agreement to buy a pair of Volocopter’s VoloCity two-seat eVTOL aircraft. The deal was announced on February 18 with the German manufacturer still seeking new investors to avoid insolvency.

The companies said they aim to launch piloted eVTOL air taxi services in the Paris area with the VoloCity, which has a range of just under 20 nm. The partnership is expected to be extended to support operations in both the southwest and southeast of France, with Volocopter committed to providing support including pilot training, maintenance and operations through its VoloIQ fleet management software.

Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services operates a rotorcraft fleet mainly consisting of Airbus H125 and H130 models. It provides charter flights to popular resorts including several in the French Alps, as well as conducting lifting and monitoring missions.

Almost eight weeks since filing pre-insolvency proceedings on December 26, the court-appointed administrator Tobias Wahl is still seeking new investors for Volocopter in a process that can run for up to three months. Wahl is tasked with finding “a viable solution to maintain regular operations outside insolvency proceedings,” with the company’s staff still working.

“We are excited to partner with Jet Systems and secure eVTOL operations in Paris, where we have invested our efforts for many years,” said Volocopter’s managing director and chief operating officer, Andreas Fehring. “With 75% of our EASA audits completed, Volocopter is clos to and committed to achieving VoloCity’s EASA certification to meet our customers expectations and cities’ commitments to bring sustainable mobilities into service.”

In a June 2024 program update, Volocopter's management team said it had sufficient funding to complete EASA type certification. However, the process appears to be taking longer than anticipated, with the company having aimed to have the approval in time to conduct planned demonstration flights during last summer's Paris Olympic Games.