Paris Volocopter Primer: eVTOL Services for the Olympic Games

There are more solutions than obstacles. Nicolas Zart

Paris, France is embracing the future of Electric Air Mobility with Volocopter, a leading German electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) startup, for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Groupe ADP, the French Civil Aviation Authority (French version), and the Paris region have unveiled their plans to integrate eVTOL services into the city’s existing public transportation system. This announcement marks a significant step forward in the highly anticipated urban air mobility industry. Also, it signals a world first for integrating eVTOL flights during a major sporting event in a capital city.

Paris Takes Flight: Unveiling the Olympic eVTOL Plans

The proposed eVTOL routes for the Paris Olympic Games are designed to showcase the potential of urban air mobility for locals and tourists with three new vertiports. The plans include three strategic connections:

1. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris-Le Bourget Airport: Linking two major transport hubs, this route will provide a seamless connection for visitors arriving in the city.
2. Austerlitz barge vertiport to Paris Heliport: With a vertiport located on a barge on the Seine River, this route offers a unique perspective of the city and invites tourists to explore round trips between downtown Paris and its Heliport.
3. Paris Heliport to Aireld of Saint-Cyr-l’École (Versailles): This route extends the reach of eVTOL services to the iconic Versailles, offering a convenient and scenic connection to one of France’s most famous landmarks.

The vertiports are expected to be operational by September 2024, with full services commencing by the end of the year. This timing aligns perfectly with the Olympic Games, which will bring a surge of visitors to the city and showcase Paris’ innovative approach to transportation.

Addressing Environmental Concerns and Public Acceptance

A critical aspect of the eVTOL integration process has been addressing environmental concerns. An environmental impact study was conducted and submitted to the relevant authorities, followed by a public acceptance survey late in 2023. This proactive approach is essential to ensuring the sustainable integration of eVTOL services and gaining the support of the local population.

Volocopter’s VoloCity: Powering the Paris Skies

Volocopter will be using its VoloCity eVTOL aircraft for these flights. The VoloCity is designed for urban air mobility, with a capacity for one pilot and one passenger, flying at below 500 meters. This aircraft has been meticulously designed to ensure safe and efficient operations within the cityscape.

Paris Leads the Way in Advanced Air Mobility

Paris’ embrace of eVTOL technology extends beyond the Olympic Games. The city has ambitious plans to expand its eVTOL operations over the next decade, to cover the entire Paris region. This includes the development of additional vertiports and the integration of eVTOL services into the daily lives of Parisians and commuters.

As the first city to integrate eVTOL services into its public transportation system, Paris is setting a precedent for urban air mobility worldwide. This historic step forward showcases the potential for eVTOL to revolutionize how we move within and between cities, offering a seamless, efficient, and sustainable travel experience. We can question the choice of these locations for both tourists and the commuting population. inking Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris-Le Bourget Airport is an intriguing choice since Le Bourget resides in a part of the city not particularly well-known as a tourist center. Having said this, Le Bourget hosts a fantastic Air Museum well worth the detour. : The linking of these two major transport hubs will offer Olympic games goers connection for visitors arriving in the city.

The Austerlitz eVTOL barge vertiport connecting to the Paris Heliport is also another interesting route probably making more sense on the operational side of things than again commuters or tourists. While some tourists enjoy helicopter fights around the capital, linking these two destinations is not the most ideal for commuters.

Lastly, the Paris Heliport to the Saint-Cyr-l’École airfield in Versailles, which is the equivalent of West Point in France is perhaps the most revealing choice. Versailles is home to the Royal Palace and is a serious tourist destination. The military school is fairly close and will necessitate a connection to access the Chateau de Versailles. This route highlights the difficulties of finding ideal vertiport locations in congested urban environments. The Saint-Cyr-l’École in Versailles has a runway capable of hosting eVTOL operations.

Latest eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility Developments:

• Volocopter continues to develop its eVTOL presence. It also announced its pilot training program.
• Volocopter Receives Green Light for VoloCity Serial Production.
• If you missed the Paris Olympic games, know that both Volocopter and SkyDrive will be flying next year in Osaka, Japan for the World Fair Convention, albeit the latter as a demonstration-only flight.