The CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL prototype has recorded its first lift-off during the flight test campaign in Donauwörth, Germany.
The landmark occasion was announced on November 6, 2024, by Airbus Helicopters’ CEO Bruno Even.
“I’m happy to share that the #CityAirbus NextGen flight test campaign in Donauwörth, Germany has started with a first lift-off. A big thank you to all our teams who have contributed to this important step in the marathon that is Advanced Air Mobility (AAM),” said Even on social media.
The CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL prototype’s successful first lift-off was also confirmed by Airbus alongside a “snapshot” of the yellow aircraft hovering in the air.
The last big announcement about CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL aircraft came in March 2024, when Airbus announced the opening of the new test center in Donauwörth.
A series of photos of the CityAirbus NextGen prototype were also released and a video showcasing the craftmanship and design.
The two-ton class CityAirbus, with a wingspan of approximately 12 meters, is being developed to fly with an 80-kilometer range and to reach a cruise speed of 120 kilometers (75 miles) per hour.
Airbus previously said that the design is “perfectly suited for operations in major cities for a variety of missions”.
Meet our #CityAirbus NextGen, our all-electric, four-seat #eVTOL prototype. Based on a lift and cruise concept, it boasts an 80-km operational range and a cruise speed of 120 km/h – making it perfectly suited to a variety of flight operations in our cities and communities. pic.twitter.com/DmKxiAj56s
— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) March 7, 2024
It is understood that CityAirbus NextGen will go to market in the second half of the decade, but Airbus was “not in a rush” and has little interest in being the first eVTOL available.
The Donauwörth center is a part of the company’s ongoing and long-term investment in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).