German start-up Volocopter to launch electric air taxis in Singapore by 2023

Singapore will have the world’s first flying taxis by 2023, after German aviation start-up Volocopter announced its commitment to launch air taxi services in the country on Wednesday (Dec 9). 

The pioneer in Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Volocopter’s emission free aircraft takes off and lands vertically. It is also small enough to fly deep within cities and can carry up to two passengers. 

They conducted a successful demonstration flight over Marina Bay Sands in October last year and the first route is likely to fly over the same district – over the southern waters, offering breath-taking views of the Marina Bay skyline. 

This could provide Singapore with a new attraction to enhance Singapore’s tourism industry. 

Singapore is at the forefront of plans to introduce urban air mobility thanks to the country’s leading role in adapting and living new technologies. 

Volocopter CEO Florian Reuter added that the city’s research capabilities on topics such as autonomous operations, material science and battery technology are very important for the company’s long-term success. 

Before launching the services in Singapore, Volocopter will conduct comprehensive tests, flight trials, evaluations, and certification before approval to commence commercial air taxi operations can be granted.

Tickets for a 15-minute trip costing 300 euros (S$485) are already on sale.

Volocopter is looking to build up a team of 50 pilots, engineers, operation specialists, and business managers in the next 3 years. The company is also expecting to hire over 200 full-time employees in Singapore to manage a network of routes by 2026. 

Cross-border journeys could be implemented in future too.