Volocopter has partnered with SITA as its preferred digital and IT systems partner for vertiports with SITA the latest investor to join Volocopter’s Series E funding round. The official signing took place at this year’s Passenger Terminal Expo in Amsterdam.
With urban air mobility (UAM) offering a new form of sustainable aviation, Volocopter’s VoloCity electric air taxi will operate routes in congested megacities to offer future passengers stable, quiet and safe flights. The ground infrastructure being used to support such flights being known as vertiports.
In line with the agreement, SITA will deploy its expertise in air transport for the emerging UAM industry, developing new operating standards and a digital-first passenger experience. Meanwhile, Volocopter’s digital operating system, the VoloIQ, connects all partners, to enable a holistic service. A cloud-based system, the VoloIQ is in the process of being certified by the relevant aviation authorities.
Speaking at the signing, Sergio Collela, SITA President for Europe, said: “Volocopter is in pole position to make electric air taxis a reality, benefiting from its first-mover advantage. At SITA we will play a key role in delivering this new digital UAM world and defining a seamless, smarter approach to air travel in a city environment. Together we will turn the theory into practice as early as 2024, when we expect the first commercial eVTOLs to take flight.”
Christian Bauer, CCO at Volocopter added: “Working in concert with our partners, we are setting up for commercial operations. This involves establishing the requisite infrastructure, maintenance, flight operations, IT and customer services. SITA is a leading IT provider for airports and we believe there is no better partner to make our seamless travel experience possible.”
