Volocopter and SITA signed an agreement for the development of IT, digital and computer services for vertiports. Volocopter is a pioneer in urban mobility, and SITA is a global IT provider to the aviation industry.
SITA became the latest investor to join Volocopter’s Series E financing round. The company will launch its first product on the market: «VoloCity«, an electric air cab.
What is VoloCity?
VoloCity is Volocopter’s development that will offer a new commuting option for currently congested big cities. The model is similar to a cab, but this one will offer passengers safe, quiet and stable flights.
«Volocopter consistently takes a holistic ecosystem approach. In collaboration with our partners, we are preparing for commercial operations. This involves establishing the necessary infrastructure, maintenance, flight operations, IT and customer services. SITA is a leading IT provider for airports and airlines, and we believe there is no better partner to enable our seamless travel experience.» Christian Bauer, chief commercial officer of Volocopter, said.
The vehicles will be able to be taken at assigned boarding points, called «Vertiports». This partnership between Volocopter and SITA has the potential to shape aviation industry standards.
What does SITA bring to the project?
The leading air transport IT products company will bring its expertise to drive the UAM industry forward. SITA has a broad portfolio of IT solutions for airport management and operations, flight and aircraft operations, passenger operations, baggage processing and border management.
SITA will complement Volocopter’s operating system, «VoloIQ«, with all data and system experiences used in air transport. The operating system is currently undergoing certification by the aviation authorities.
Sergio Colella, SITA President for Europe, said, «Volocopter is in pole position to make electric air cabs a reality, benefiting from its first-mover advantage. At SITA, we will play a key role in the development of this new digital UAM world and in defining a smarter, seamless approach to air transport in the urban environment. Together we will put theory into practice as early as 2024, when we expect the first commercial eVTOLs to take flight.»
