Diamond integrates Volocopter

Diamond is a leading general aviation aircraft manufacturer headquartered in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, with facilities in Canada and China. Volocopter is “the pioneer of urban air mobility,” and its “air taxis and longer-range passenger aircraft will offer alternative, affordable transit solutions—emission-free and more sustainably and efficiently than before,” according to its website. 

Integrating Volocopter will enable Diamond to expand its portfolio to eVTOLs while permitting Volocopter to reduce costs and retain “a highly motivated and skilled workforce” to focus on type certification of its urban taxi VoloCity, which is projected for 2025, according to a press release by Volocopter. According to Aviation Week Network, the price of acquisition was 10 million Euros ($10.9 million) and “Volocopter’s new owner is understood to reduce staffing to just 160 people.” The company’s headquarters will remain in Bruchsal, Germany. Volocopter aims to evolve, remain competitive, and contribute “significantly to the sustainable growth of the aviation industry.”

“The future of aviation is shaped by visionaries. Diamond's broad portfolio is further strengthened by Volocopter, the VoloCity, and future models,” said Bin Chen, chairman of Diamond Aircraft Group. “Together, we are creating the foundation to further develop sustainable air mobility and strengthen Europe as an innovation hub in aviation.”

Insolvency Administrator Tobias Wahl said that Diamond Aircraft is a strong strategic partner for Volocopter and is going to build on its foundation of expertise and workforce.