Volocopter Seeks "Type Certification" in the United States
Volocopter's VoloCity Air Taxi Awaits FAA Certification in the USA
Volocopter, the German-based company revolutionising urban air mobility, has ambitious plans to bring its VoloCity air taxi vehicle to cities such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. However, as of mid-2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to issue a Type Certificate for the VoloCity in the USA.
The FAA announced new rules in October 2024 supporting commercial operations of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and plans to create a new commercial aircraft category for eVTOLs. However, certification processes are ongoing, with the earliest FAA type certificates expected by 2027.
Volocopter applied for a Type Certificate with the FAA on December 22, 2020. The company has already made a similar application to the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) and has obtained the Design Organization Approval, a first in the eVTOL segment.
Despite the delay in FAA certification, Volocopter has shown resilience, having raised 122 million Euros of capital from investors including Daimler, Geely, DB Schenker, Intel Capital, Team Europe, btov, Micron, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, TransLink Capital (Japan Airlines and Sompo Japan Insurance), MS&AD Ventures, Manta Ray, and Ventures.
Volocopter's founders, Stephan Wolf and Alexander Zosel, established the company in 2011 with a vision to transform urban mobility. The company currently operates in offices in Bruchsal, Munich, and Singapore.
While Volocopter's VoloCity is yet to receive FAA certification, other companies such as Joby Aviation are leading in FAA certification and expect full certification and entry into service in 2025. However, it's important to note that these are different from Volocopter's VoloCity.
In conclusion, Volocopter's VoloCity has not yet received FAA type certification in the USA, and the certification process may remain underway or delayed due to the company's financial status and overall regulatory timelines. Nonetheless, the acceptance of Volocopter's VoloCity by the FAA would mark a significant step towards entering the US urban air transport market.
Aerospace technology companies like Volocopter continue to invest in aviation safety and industry advancements, seeking approval from regulatory bodies such as the FAA. The finance sector, with investors including Daimler, Intel Capital, and Geely, backs Volocopter's vision for urban air mobility, while the VoloCity awaits FAA certification in the USA.
