PARIS: Test flights of so-called flying taxis — futuristic drones capable of transporting people — have been cancelled in Paris during the Olympics as the certification for the engine has not come through, according to its promoters.
German manufacturer Volocopter had been preparing to showcase its futuristic drones, designed for passenger transport, during the Games. The company, which has been conducting test flights in the Paris region for several years, had aimed to secure certification from European authorities in time for the Olympics. Their efforts were supported by French airport operator ADP, Paris metro and bus operator RATP, and the Paris regional government.
However, Edward Arkwright, Deputy CEO of ADP, confirmed that the certification for VoloCity, Volocopter’s engine, had been postponed due to issues with its motors. Arkwright said that they are a little disappointed, but they have always maintained that safety will not be compromised.”
Volocopter CEO Dirk Hoke attributed the delay to an American supplier who failed to deliver as promised. The motors are expected to arrive in France next week, but too late for the test flights planned before the Olympics conclude.
Initially, test flights were scheduled to occur during the Games, with landings on a float in the Seine near Austerlitz railway station. The promoters aimed to leverage the global attention of the Olympics to show the technology’s potential for linking “vertiport” take-off and landing sites.
Instead, the test flights will now take place without passengers at the aerodrome in Saint Cyr l’Ecole, a suburban town west of Paris, on Thursday and Sunday. This town is near the Chateau de Versailles, where Olympic equestrian events are being held.
Flying taxis are touted as a low-carbon aviation alternative, with hopes for future applications such as ambulances. Despite this, some Paris city officials have criticized the plans as environmentally harmful.
