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Airbus’ Electric Air Taxi Lifts Off for First Time

Flight kicks off the start of a critical test campaign for the CityAirbus NextGen, which combines the capabilities of a helicopter and airplane.

Airbus CityAirbus NextGen electric VTOL air taxi
The CityAirbus NextGen, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) design, is Airbus’ entrant into the advanced air mobility (AAM) space. [Courtesy: Airbus Helicopters]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Airbus Helicopters' electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) CityAirbus NextGen successfully completed its first test flight in Donauwörth, Germany.
  • The eVTOL is designed for quiet, zero-emission transport of passengers and cargo in urban environments, combining helicopter-like VTOL with airplane-like winged cruise.
  • This inaugural flight is a significant step towards commercializing advanced air mobility, with plans for regulatory certification and rollout by the second half of the decade.
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According to an X post by Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, the company’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) CityAirbus NextGen has lifted off on its first test flight.

The flight at Airbus’ test facility in Donauwörth, Germany, represents a key step toward commercializing the design, which combines the VTOL capability of a helicopter with the winged cruise of an airplane. The model is designed to transport passengers and cargo more quietly and sustainably than existing options.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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