NEOM, the visionary company in Saudi Arabia, proudly announces the successful completion of the first-ever air taxi test flights using Volocopter aircraft. This significant milestone showcases NEOM's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology and revolutionizing transportation not just within NEOM, but worldwide.
The collaborative efforts of NEOM Company, Volocopter, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) paved the way for the realization of this groundbreaking feat. The series of test flights, authorized for the electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, spanned over a week in NEOM, marking an important achievement in Saudi Arabia's aviation sector.
Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting the test flight's significance in advancing the aviation sector's strategy. By embracing innovation and emerging technologies, Saudi Arabia aims to stimulate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and enhance mobility experiences. This milestone demonstrates GACA's commitment to integrating innovative air transport patterns, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in the Kingdom.
NEOM and Volocopter share a joint vision of creating a sustainable future through innovative, clean technology. By incorporating electric air mobility into their multimodal transport system, NEOM aspires to revolutionize mobility and positively transform lives. The establishment of a joint venture in 2021 further solidified their commitment to advancing advanced air mobility and positioning NEOM as a global living lab for the future of transportation.
Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, emphasized the successful test flight's significance in realizing NEOM's vision of an innovative, sustainable, and multimodal transportation system. This achievement reinforces NEOM's role as an accelerator and incubator of solutions to global challenges. By developing smart and eco-friendly mobility systems, NEOM aims to enhance connectivity, improve livability, and reduce carbon emissions, thus creating a cleaner future for all.
Christian Bauer, Chief Commercial Officer of Volocopter, expressed his excitement as their collaborative efforts came to fruition. Being the first eVTOL aircraft to undergo testing in Saudi Arabia is a proud accomplishment, laying the groundwork for future collaborations in NEOM. The comprehensive test campaign assessed the Volocopter aircraft's performance in local climate and environmental conditions while ensuring its seamless integration into the local unmanned aircraft system traffic management.
In NEOM's smart and sustainable multimodal mobility system, Volocopter eVTOLs will play a pivotal role. Powered by 100 percent renewable energy from solar and wind sources, these versatile aircraft will serve as air taxis and emergency response vehicles, surpassing traditional helicopters in adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Their compact infrastructure requirements, operational efficiency, and smart autonomous capabilities guarantee safety and long-term relevance.
This significant test flight announcement reinforces NEOM's leadership in future mobility solutions. With a significant investment of EUR 175 million and a joint venture with Volocopter, NEOM is set to revolutionize the transportation landscape. Volocopter anticipates obtaining type certification for its VoloCity air taxi by 2024, paving the way for future commercial operations. Serial production of the VoloCity has already commenced, enabling the delivery of over 50 aircraft per year.
NEOM's trailblazing journey into the realm of air taxis sets the stage for a future of efficient, sustainable, and innovative mobility. Stay tuned for the transformative
