Will Volocopter’s VoloCity eVTOL Achieve EASA Approval with Diamond Aircraft?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Volocopter's subsidiary, Diamond Aircraft, is still seeking type certification for its two-seat VoloCity eVTOL model, a key step for urban air mobility operations.
Key Takeaways
- •Volocopter is continuing its push for EASA type certification for the two-seat VoloCity eVTOL under SC-VTOL rules.
- •The company was integrated into Diamond Aircraft Group in March 2025, which provides financial and operational stability.
- •Certification target was previously set for 2025, with extensive flight testing of new components still required.
- •Volocopter is also pursuing concurrent validation with the FAA, JCAB, and CAAS for global market entry.
The quest for EASA type certification continues. Volocopter is pushing its two-seat VoloCity eVTOL. This effort is central to the urban air mobility (UAM) market. The company is now integrated with Diamond Aircraft Group. This integration followed insolvency proceedings in 2025. The new structure aims to secure Volocopter's future. It allows the firm to focus on certification milestones.
Certification Progress and Regulatory Path
Volocopter is seeking approval from EASA. The agency's Special Condition VTOL (SC-VTOL) rules apply. These rules govern the airworthiness of eVTOL aircraft. The VoloCity is designed for commercial air taxi service. This is a crucial step for advanced air mobility. The manufacturer is conducting extensive flight testing. This testing involves new rotors and propulsion system changes.
Initial targets aimed for EASA certification in 2024. The target was subsequently revised to 2025. Certification is still pending as of early 2026. The process requires logging 150 flight hours. Seventy-five hours must be on a production-conforming aircraft. Volocopter also holds Production Organisation Approval (POA). This allows for the serial production of the VoloCity.
Global Validation and Market Impact
Volocopter is pursuing global validation efforts. They are working with the FAA in the United States. Concurrent validation is also underway in Japan and Singapore. This global strategy is key to market entry. The company aims to launch services in key cities. The VoloCity is an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. It is designed for short, intra-city flights. Its low noise profile is a major benefit for UAM.
Separately, Volocopter is adapting its 2X model. This earlier aircraft is being adapted for the light sports market. The main focus, however, remains the commercial VoloCity. Successful certification will open the door for operations. This includes planned services for the 2025 Osaka Expo.
The Diamond Aircraft Group integration provides stability. It combines general aviation expertise with UAM technology. This partnership strengthens the aircraft certification process. It also helps to reduce Volocopter's operating costs. The industry watches closely for EASA's final approval. This milestone will signal a major advance for commercial air taxi service globally.
Volocopter's headquarters remain in Bruchsal, Germany. The VoloCity eVTOL represents a significant investment. Its success will validate the SC-VTOL regulatory framework. The entire advanced air mobility sector depends on this progress.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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