German urban air mobility startup, Volocopter, has expanded the potential applications of its battery-powered aircraft beyond air taxi services through a new partnership with ADAC Luftrettung, a German organization specializing in emergency medical response. The announcement was made during the opening activities of the 2023 Paris Air Show. The agreement involves ADAC Luftrettung purchasing two Volocopter VoloCity air taxis, with an option to buy an additional 150 aircraft. The initial aircraft will be used for testing the feasibility of deploying the next-generation Volocopters in emergency medical and rescue operations.
ADAC Luftrettung, one of Europe's largest first responder organizations, has been exploring the use of Volocopter's air taxis for emergency medical purposes since 2018. In 2020, they placed a reservation for the first two aircraft, which has now been confirmed as a firm order, along with the option to acquire more. Volocopter plans for ADAC Luftrettung to commence testing the emergency medical applications next year, pending European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification of the VoloCity aircraft.
The repurposing of air taxis for rescue missions represents Volocopter's efforts to diversify the use cases for its aircraft. The company is also developing the VoloRegion, a longer-range aircraft, and the VoloDrone, designed for heavy-lift cargo operations.
According to ADAC Luftrettung CEO Frédéric Bruder, the piloted VoloCity air taxis, will be used to swiftly transport emergency physicians to accident sites as an additional sustainable transport option alongside traditional rescue helicopters, rather than as replacements. However, the long-term objective is for quiet, battery-powered electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) air taxis to gradually replace more expensive, fuel-burning helicopters.
Bruder added that with the next generation of eVTOLs offering increased ranges, operational speeds, and payload capacities, the benefits for emergency care can be realized, aligning with their mission to advance the rescue service with innovative solutions. Volocopter CEO Dirk Hoke expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating that working with ADAC Luftrettung, a leading operator of critical emergency medical and rescue services in Europe, allows Volocopter to expand the applications of its air taxis. Hoke emphasized the significance of starting eVTOL operations in Germany by contributing to saving lives and confirmed plans to commence emergency medical service operations in Germany in 2024.
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