In what amounts to an advanced demonstration of its capabilities, Volocopter completed demonstrations of the electrically powered rotorcraft intended to provide commuter service between urban areas and local airports. Currently a two-seat autonomous rotorcraft, the Volocopter recently demonstrated flights into and out of Helsinki’s airport. The autonomous aircraft lifted off while fully connected to the local air traffic control system.
But there is still a long, and probably expensive course to fly before these aircraft will be shuttling passengers from downtown to a nearby airport. But Volocopter is moving ahead with further tests and demonstrations at Germany’s Stuttgart airport this September, with plans for future demonstrations in Singapore.
Meanwhile, companies like Uber and Kitty Hawk, continue the development of self-flying taxis in the face of daunting challenges of safety demonstrations, integration of these aircraft into local air traffic control environments, and public acceptance.