Airbus has officially begun remotely piloted flight testing of its full-scale prototype for the CityAirbus NextGen electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. 

This flight test follows a significant development phase in December 2023, when the CityAirbus powered up for the first time as part of a series of ground tests. 

These tests focused on evaluating the aircraft’s electric motors, rotors, flight controls, and avionics as part of preparations for its first flight.

The CityAirbus NextGen is a four-seat eVTOL aircraft designed for short-distance urban air mobility, capable of flying up to 80 kilometres (50 miles) at speeds of 120 km/h. 

The aircraft boasts a 12-metre wingspan and incorporates an innovative rotor design, with four rotors mounted on the rear wing for vertical lift. 

Additionally, the design includes a pair of forward-facing propellers and two pusher props at the tail, enhancing its overall functionality. 

Operational readiness

The CityAirbus development is spearheaded by Airbus’s urban air mobility (UAM) business unit, which is leveraging expertise across the group. 

Specifically, Airbus engineers in Toulouse are collaborating to develop battery packs for the aircraft, drawing on their experience with satellite technology. 

The company is exploring various potential applications for the CityAirbus, including public transportation and emergency medical support.

Furthermore, Airbus is working with 30 partners through the Bavarian Air Mobility Initiative to establish an ecosystem for early operations in southern Germany. 

Partners include Deutsche Bahn, Munich Airport, and vertiport developer Skyports. 

One of the key components of this initiative is the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to manage tasks such as predicting slot allocation needs.

In Italy, Airbus has secured its first eVTOL airline partner, ITA Airways, and expanded its ecosystem development network to include energy provider Enel and Urban V, the vertiport division of Aeroporti di Roma.

Moreover, the company is working on defining emergency medical service (EMS) missions for eVTOL aircraft in collaboration with the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, as well as with partners in Estonia and Japan.