Volocopter, a leader in urban air mobility (UAM), will launch Europe’s first eVTOL sandbox program in 2026, designed to accelerate the certification and operational readiness of its electric aircraft, VoloCity and VoloXPro, through near-commercial flight trials. The initiative will simulate real-world operations to support type certification, validate point-to-point missions, and advance the deployment of urban air taxi and ultralight aircraft services.
Flight Trials for Certification and Readiness
The new sandbox program features a series of flights replicating real passenger experience, ground operations, and mission profiles for VoloCity electric air taxis, and a range of operational use cases for VoloXPro ultralight aircraft in urban and regional mobility. Flight procedures and logistical workflows will be tested in realistic environments, enabling Volocopter and regulatory partners to refine operational protocols and passenger services ahead of commercial launch.
Volocopter CTO David Bausek commented, “This sandbox is the final stretch toward making electric air taxis and ultralight aircraft a reality in Europe. Testing VoloCity and VoloXPro in real-world environments with trusted partners like ADAC Luftrettung ensures we’re ready for commercial launch.”
ADAC Luftrettung Collaboration for Medical Applications
Long-term partner ADAC Luftrettung will join the program for select missions to explore how Volocopter’s eVTOL technology can be used in emergency medical services and regional mobility. Initial pilot trials by ADAC Luftrettung, based on sandbox results, will begin in selected regions, focusing on faster, quieter, and more sustainable emergency response.
Frédéric Bruder, CEO at ADAC Luftrettung, stated, “eVTOL Technology, especially Volocopter’s products, could transform emergency response and regional coverage by enabling faster, quieter, and more sustainable missions. Participating in Volocopter’s sandbox program allows us to explore these possibilities firsthand.”
Towards Sustainable Urban Air Mobility
The European eVTOL sandbox program marks a major milestone in Volocopter’s push to deliver sustainable, efficient air mobility to cities and regions across Europe. Insights gained during the trials will inform the future rollout of VoloCity and VoloXPro services and contribute directly to urban transportation transformation.
About Volocopter
Volocopter is a pioneer in urban air mobility, developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to offer safe, sustainable, and efficient air taxi and ultralight services in cities worldwide. Founded in 2011, Volocopter is headquartered in Bruchsal, Germany, and operates globally with a mission to transform urban transportation. More information is available at http://volocopter.com
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
