Last week, the German manufacturer Volocopter sent its electric helicopter into flight from the Pontoise Cormay airfield near the French capital. Its purpose will be the transportation of passengers in crowded cities.

Called VoloCity, the device looks like a large drone with eight rotors and a two-person cockpit, and the company’s press release says it will offer the public “a new zero-emission transportation option.”

Volocopter, a German electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startup, recently raised an additional $182 million, bringing its valuation to $1.87 billion.

The two-seater air taxi is in the midst of testing in accordance with the requirements of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency with a view to certification as a VTOL and further commercialization.

Volocopter hopes to certify its aircraft in the second half of 2023 and begin commercial flights in 2024 in megacities such as Rome, Paris, Singapore, as well as Neom, a futuristic city to be built in the Saudi Arabian desert.

Additionally, Neom was the lead investor in the latest funding round. The company wants this eVTOL to be as revolutionary as Tesla is for cars.

“Tesla started with two seats because the battery technology did not allow more, and now it is the most valuable car brand in the world,” said Christian Bauer, Volocopter’s chief commercial officer.

The test was the first to be conducted under normal air traffic conditions, recreating the entire experience from arrival at the terminal to boarding. The passenger was accompanied by a pilot, but Volocopter says the plane will not need a pilot.

The company wants the air taxi to be fully automated and carry only passengers. They are working on aspects of infrastructure integration and integration with other modes of transport, and another important task is to promote and increase trust in the eyes of the public.

Sources: Business Insider, TechCrunch.