According to media reports, aviation giant Airbus has announced the suspension of its air taxi project. The once highly anticipated technology is now facing significant challenges, making commercial implementation difficult.
Airbus Helicopters, the company's helicopter manufacturing division, has confirmed that it has halted the development of electric air taxis in Donauwörth, southern Germany. The company verified the news to German media but did not disclose how long the suspension would last. However, Airbus has not completely canceled the air taxi project, known as "CityAirbus."
German media reports suggest that the primary reason for the suspension is insufficient battery technology. The current batteries are not yet capable of supporting electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to fly 100 kilometers while carrying four passengers.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, stated at a press conference that further technological advancements are required. He remarked, "We believe this technology will not reach full maturity in the short term."
Ten years ago, Airbus tested its first air taxi prototype, Vahana, in the United States. In 2019, the company showcased a prototype called CityAirbus in Ingolstadt. Later, in the spring of 2024, Airbus introduced the CityAirbus NextGen model, which could accommodate three passengers and one pilot, with a designed speed of 120 km/h. This model, weighing 2.2 tons, successfully completed its maiden flight in November 2024. However, it is precisely this project that Airbus has now suspended.
Previously, two other German air taxi manufacturers, Lilium and Volocopter, filed for bankruptcy. Airbus' decision to suspend its project further highlights the significant technological barriers in the field. Apart from technical challenges, air taxi developers also face lengthy government certification and approval processes. Additionally, the three German companies must compete with international rivals, such as Chinese firms EHang and XPeng, as well as the American company Joby.
