<p>Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.</p>
<p>Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.</p>


Managing Editor

<p>Safran Electrical &amp; Power is helping Volocopter to devise a powertrain for its planned next-generation eVTOL aircraft. The companies signed a collaboration agreement at this week's Paris Air Show under which they will explore commercial and engineering partnerships, covering&nbsp;an electric propulsion system (EPS),&nbsp;battery units, and a power distribution system.</p>
<p>"The prospect of collaborating with Safran, a leader in powertrain development as part of our UAM ecosystem is exciting on several levels," said Volocopter CEO Dirk Hoke. "Optimizing battery density and improving EPS effectiveness is the biggest performance lever for lightweight aircraft like eVTOLs. And, on a personal note, it's a stellar example of French-German industry collaboration to keep European technology innovation competitive on a global level."</p>
<p>Volocopter has not confirmed details for a next-generation successor to its two-seat VoloCity aircraft. In June 2022, it flew a technology demonstrator of a larger, longer-range model, provisionally designating this as the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-06-07/first-voloconnect-takeoff-volocopter-has-three-evtol-models-test-flights">VoloConnect</a>.</p>
<h3 class="subheading"><strong>eVTOL Takes Off In Saudi Arabia</strong></h3>
<p>Electric air taxi developer Volocopter has successfully conducted its first flight trials in Saudi Arabia, the German company announced Wednesday during the Paris Airshow. According to Volocopter, that marked the first time that an eVTOL aircraft received special flight authorization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>Volocopter is collaborating&nbsp;with <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-12-01/saudi-tech-city-neom-set-become-urban-air-mobility-incubator">Neom</a>, a government-backed development project in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk province, to introduce urban air mobility services to the region in 2024. The company behind Neom is an <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-11-01/volocopter-draws-182-million-funding-saudi-chinese-interests">investor in Volocopter</a>.</p>
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center">
<article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-default">
  
        <div class="layout layout--onecol">
    <div class="layout__region layout__region--content">
      <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediaimagefield-media-image">
  
    
      
            <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item">  <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/futureflight/import/521web-volocopter-neom-event_small-6.jpg" width="2200" height="1080" alt="Volocopter's eVTOL aircraft test flight in Saudi Arabia." title="Volocopter has conducted a test flight with its eVTOL aircraft in Saudi Arabia. (Image: Volocopter)">

</div>
      
  </div>
<div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blockmediaimagefield-caption">
  
    
      
            <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Volocopter has conducted a test flight with its eVTOL aircraft in Saudi Arabia. (Image: Volocopter)</div>
      
  </div>

    </div>
  </div>

  </article>

<figcaption>Volocopter has conducted a test flight with its eVTOL aircraft in Saudi Arabia. (Image: Volocopter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As a so-called “smart city,” Neom runs entirely on renewable energy sources. When Volocopter and Neom announced their joint venture in 2021, Neom officials placed a provisional order for 15 Volocopter eVTOL aircraft, including 10 of the two-seat VoloCity model and five of Volocopter’s fully autonomous VoloDrone cargo-carrying model.</p>
<p>“The successful test flight of a Volocopter eVTOL is not just another milestone on the journey towards the creation of Neom’s innovative, sustainable, multimodal transportation system—it is a tangible example of Neom as a global accelerator and incubator of solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Neom CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr. “Driving the development of smart, sustainable, and safe mobility systems will improve livability and connectivity in cities around the world and reduce carbon emissions, creating a cleaner future for all.”</p>
<p>Volocopter also has been conducting flight demonstrations at the Paris Airshow this week with its two-seat VoloCity eVTOL aircraft. The company aims to secure EASA&nbsp; type certification for the aircraft and begin operations by 2024, just in time for the Olympic Games in Paris.</p>


Charles Alcock

Volocopter has flown a technology demonstrator for an eVTOL aircraft referred to as the VoloConnect. (Image: Volocopter)

Safran Explores Power Options For Next Generation Volocopter eVTOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

In this article

Volocopter

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN