Volocopter has emerged from insolvency and is back on its certification path under new ownership, targeting type certification and initial commercial operations by 2025.
Restructuring and New Ownership
In December 2024, Volocopter filed for insolvency due to funding shortfalls, despite having raised over $544 million since its founding in 2011. In March 2025, China’s Wanfeng Group—via its subsidiary Diamond Aircraft—completed a rescue acquisition, integrating Volocopter into Diamond’s operations while retaining the Bruchsal headquarters. This strategic move secures Volocopter’s future, retains key personnel, and leverages Diamond’s proven certification expertise and manufacturing footprint in Austria and Canada.verticalmag+1
Certification Progress
Under Diamond’s stewardship, Volocopter has resumed its push for EASA type certification of the two-seat VoloCity eVTOL aircraft. Diamond’s seasoned certification team is guiding the final steps, drawing on its track record with piston-powered aircraft. Volocopter aims to complete VoloCity certification in 2025 and transition to serial production thereafter.verticalmag
Pilot Training and Production Approvals
Volocopter received Approved Training Organisation (ATO) status from Germany’s Luftfahrt-Bundesamt in early 2024, enabling it to train pilots for VoloCity operations. It also holds Production Organisation Approval (POA) for serial manufacture of VoloCity in its Bruchsal facilities, positioning the company for pre-serial production once type certification is secured.volocopter+1
Strategic Partnerships and Test Programs
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French charter operator Jet Systems Hélicoptères Services signed an agreement to procure two VoloCity aircraft, marking Volocopter’s first confirmed sales order and an entry into the French market.ainonline
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Spanish airport operator Aena plans demonstration test flights of VoloCity between Palma and Menorca in late 2025 or early 2026, aiming to showcase UAM safety protocols and pave the way for broader European operations.sea-help
Outlook
With the financial lifeline provided by Wanfeng/Diamond, Volocopter is focused on achieving type certification in 2025 and launching its first commercial air taxi services shortly thereafter. The combination of pilot training capability, production readiness, and strategic partnerships positions Volocopter to lead the emerging urban air mobility market.
- https://verticalmag.com/news/volocopter-rebounds-with-new-owner-resumes-certification-path/
- https://www.volocopter.com/en/newsroom/vc-reorganization-success
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- https://aam-me.ae/2024/12/16/volocopter-posts-75-percent-completion-of-audits-for-type-certification/
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