Electric Flight Devices: Volocopter Remains in Bruchsal post-Acquisition by Wanfeng
Volocopter continues post-acquisition in Baden. - Volocopter taxi service continues operations in Baden following acquisition
Let's get down to business! The flight taxi whiz Volocopter is still standing tall at its grounds in Bruchsal near Karlsruhe after being snatched up by the Chinese company Wanfeng. According to the scoop, Volocopter has undergone a facelift by Wanfeng's Austrian subsidiary Diamond Aircraft.
The grand plan is to trim costs and set our sights on obtaining the type certification needed for commercial operations. A spokesperson confirms that 185 employees will keep their jobs.
Wanfeng announced the buyout a few days back with a stock exchange announcement. The Austrian aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft is fully owned by Wanfeng, making it a powerhouse strategic partner reinforcing Volocopter's previous achievements. Insolvency administrator Tobias Wahl explained in a statement that Volocopter, the Volocity flight taxi, and future models will add muscle to Diamond Aircraft's portfolio. Chairman Bin Chen of the Diamond Aircraft Group's supervisory board mentioned the acquisition would push the company's offerings to new heights.
No Passenger Operations Permit Yet
Our startup, Volocopter, was born in 2011, producing electric aircraft capable of vertical takeoff. These babies aim to be a taxi alternative in densely populated metropolises like Rome and Osaka. Initially, we had plans to offer our services in air rescue in Germany, but a type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency for passenger operations is yet to come.
Due to persistent financial woes and a lack of aid from the federal government and the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, Volocopter took the plunge into insolvency on Christmas' second day. Things seemed grim until March, but don't worry - we're still ready for takeoff! Rumor has it around 450 employees were cut temporarily.
Bavaria's electric aircraft manufacturer Lilium has also faced some financial hurdles, requiring them to seek insolvency for the second time recently.
- Volocopter
- Future plans with Wanfeng
- Electric aircraft producer
- Bruchsal
- Base for operations
- Karlsruhe
- Geographical location
- Germany
- Intended deployment
- Baden-Württemberg
- One of the states supporting Volocopter, also affected by their financial struggles
- Acquisition
- By Wanfeng
- Volocity flight taxi
- Volocopter's product offering
[Extra Insight:] This acquisition might lead to further advancements in electric flight technology and the commercialization of eco-friendly air transportation systems. The European Aviation Safety Agency might expedite the process to support these promising ventures. However, these speculations remain unconfirmed at the moment. Additionally, financial support from the government could play a crucial role in ensuring the industry's growth and the promotion of safe, sustainable, and innovative aviation solutions.
- The electric aircraft producer, Volocopter, will continue its operations at Bruchsal near Karlsruhe in Germany, as it remains in Bruchsal post-acquisition by Wanfeng, a Chinese company.
- Under the new ownership, Volocopter's future plans involve cost reduction and pursuing the type certification necessary for commercial operations, with 185 employees expected to maintain their jobs.
- The acquisition of Volocopter by Wanfeng's Austrian subsidiary, Diamond Aircraft, is aimed at bolstering Volocopter's existing achievements and expanding Diamond Aircraft's portfolio with products like the Volocity flight taxi.
