Paris scraps plans for Olympic 'flying taxis'

[sl8]

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240808-paris-flying-taxi-test-flights-scrapped-during-olympics

Paris scraps plans for Olympic ‘flying taxis’

Despite initial promises, so-called 'flying taxis' will not be circling above Paris during the Olympic Games this summer. German manufacturer Volocopter Thursday said it has scrapped test flights of the 18-rotor drones that resemble small helicopters over delays in the certification for the vehicle’s engine.

Issued on: 08/08/2024 - 08:11
Modified: 08/08/2024 - 08:44
1 min

By: NEWS WIRES

Test flights of so-called flying taxis -- futuristic drones capable of transporting people -- have been scrapped in Paris during the Olympics as the certification for the engine has not come through, its promoters told AFP Thursday.

German manufacturer Volocopter has been conducting test flights in the Paris region for several years and had lobbied hard for authorisation from European authorities in time for the Olympics.

The company has partnered with French airport operator ADP, the capital's metro and bus operator RATP, and the Paris regional government.

Certification for VoloCity, the engine conceived and made by Volocopter, had been delayed by a few weeks over its motors, ADP deputy CEO Edward Arkwright said.

[...]

[jimfields33]

1. It will be cool once certified.

I’ll wait a decade to ensure it’s as close to perfect as possible. I wouldn’t take the first flight from the Wright brothers either.