Volocopter Receives DA-62 Aircraft To Prepare for eVTOL Operations
As part of its plan to secure the commercial air operator certificate it needs to start low-volume operations with its two-seat VoloCity eVTOL vehicle at next summer’s Paris Olympic Games, Volocopter has taken delivery of a Diamond DA-62 light aircraft. The German company said it will use the twin-engine, seven-seat aircraft to transport its employees and those of program partners, as well as make it available for charter flights by third parties.
According to Volocopter, operating the DA-62 will help it to “learn and map out the required processes as an airline operator” in preparation for getting approved for commercial services with its eVTOL fleet by German and European regulators. The investment will also support efforts to achieve airworthiness requirements and to prepare the company for its later role in maintaining and supporting eVTOL aircraft.
Austrian manufacturer Diamond Aircraft is developing an electric-powered version of the smaller DA40 aircraft. The prototype for this model, with electric motors provided by Safran, recently achieved its first flight.
Aerovolt Begins Installing Aircraft Chargers at UK Airports
Aerovolt, a London-based company with plans to operate a charging network for electric aircraft, has begun installing charging stations at airports in the UK. The company is installing them at six sites in southern England, including the Isle of Wight, Kent, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex.
According to Aerovolt, more than 20 regional and medium-sized airports have agreed to have the company’s chargers installed at their facilities. Following the initial six deliveries, another 18 chargers are scheduled to be installed at airports across the UK over the next year and a half.
Deutsche Aircraft Launches Synthetic Aviation Fuel Plan with Norwegian Partners
As part of its plan to decarbonize the Dornier 328 regional airliner, Deutsche Aircraft is expanding its partnership in Norway to establish a supply of carbon-neutral aviation fuel that could be used by the new D328eco model’s Pratt & Whitney PW127S turbofan engines. Along with existing partners Energi i Nord (North Energy Cluster) and Bodø Airport Development Company, the German manufacturer this week met with other stakeholders to discuss plans to make power-to-liquid e-fuels available at some 26 Norwegian regional airports.
Deutsche Aircraft said it is now exploring options to conduct flight testing with the prototype for its 40-seat D328eco. In the longer term, the company envisages a switch to hydrogen propulsion, and it has conducted work on this with propulsion system developers including H2Fly and Universal Hydrogen.
In June, Norway's Insitute for Transport Economics published proposals calling for the government to subsidize the launch of electric air services under public service obligation routes to connect communities where a long road journey is the only alternative to flying.
Baker Hughes and Avports Explore Low-carbon Energy Solutions for Airports
Energy group Baker Hughes is teaming with airport operator Avports on plans to introduce so-called microgrids that could help airports switch to low-carbon power sources. The agreement signed by the U.S. companies this week covers plans for new technology that could include charging systems for aircraft and ground vehicles, as well as zero-emission buildings and other infrastructure.
Baker Hughes is working on sustainability initiatives such as hydrogen-ready turbines and heat-recovery processes. Avports currently supports operations and provides management services at 11 airports across seven states in the U.S., including Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut. It has a partnership with eVTOL aircraft developer Jaunt Air Mobility.
Dronamics Expands Cargo Drone Operations to Australia
Cargo drone start-up Dronamics has signaled its intent to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The UK-based company just appointed the first general manager of its Australian business division: Gavin Gomes, an Australian entrepreneur and pilot. Dronamics has had some presence in Australia since 2020, and the company has a manufacturing agreement with Quickstep Holdings, a major aerospace composite manufacturer in Australia, to help scale up its fleet of the fixed-wing Black Swan aircraft.
“Australia has demonstrated an enormous appetite for what Dronamics can offer—faster, more affordable, lower-emissions freight, connecting underserved and remote communities and businesses through cargo drone logistics. We are committed to serving the needs of the local market and we are thrilled to have Gavin’s experience and expertise to support that,’’ said Svilen Rangelov, Dronamics co-founder and CEO.
Pyka Prepares To Launch Commercial Drone Crop-spraying with FAA Approval
Pyka is preparing to start crop-spraying services in the U.S. after the FAA gave approval for its highly automated, electric-powered Pelican Spray aircraft to operate under Part 107 rules. The fixed-wing, uncrewed Pelican Spray has a gross weight of 1,125 pounds and can carry up to 540 pounds of fluid, spraying fields at rates of up to 240 acres per hour. The aircraft is already being operated in agricultural areas of Costa Rica, Honduras, and Brazil.
