In July, French authorities cleared Volocopters two-seater, 18-rotor craft for takeoff.

However, certification for the air taxis engines has been delayed by a few weeks, spluttering the plans.

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Paris Olympics air taxi flights scrapped over certification delays

Hot air (taxi)?

Some, including Volocopter, even plan to use them as emergency rescue or medical vehicles.

Startups like Volocopter, the UKsVertical Aerospace, andLiliumhave all faced delays in bringing their eVTOLs to market.

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Paris City Hall hasdescribed Volocopters Olympics plansas absurd and an ecological mistake.

One councillor described the project as a useless and hyper-polluting gadget for a few ultra-privileged people in a hurry.

Story bySion Geschwindt

Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.

a crewed volocopter air taxi being tested at the Saint Cyr l’Ecole aerodrome on Thursday 8 August 2024.

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