Are Germany and Europe really losing two pioneers of the aviation of the future? What was already a topic in the media a few weeks ago has now been given new momentum by a report in the Handelsblatt. While Dr. Gerald Wissel, CEO of UAV DACH, warned Handelsblatt and in an interview with the TV channel n-tv against losing know-how, jobs and large parts of the value chain to the USA and China, as has recently been the case with other future technologies, the hoped-for and repeatedly demanded clear (financial) commitment of Germany and Europe to unmanned aviation and the two internationally renowned flagship projects Lilium and Volocopter is still not forthcoming.
As a result, Lilium is apparently actively considering leaving Germany. And Volocopter is unlikely to have shelved such considerations either.
With unforeseeable consequences for the entire drone economy. “We need clear signals and support measures from the public sector,” demands Dr. Gerald Wissel. “This is the only way we can really unlock the potential of the entire UAS industry - even beyond the topic of eVTOL.”
Especially when it comes to the final steps towards market entry, certifications and setting up series production, the financial requirements for the various eVTOL development projects around the world are enormous. However, unlike competitors such as Ehang, Joby or Archer, the German flagship companies Lilium and Volocopter cannot rely on financial support from the public sector. The government loans and guarantees they have applied for have been delayed for months. While the federal government has signaled its willingness in principle, the hoped-for commitments from Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria have failed to materialize so far.
Depending on the application, air cabs would be able to compete in the short term with normal cabs, limousine services or helicopter services in terms of price. This is the conclusion reached by management consultants Roland Berger and the German Aerospace Center in their latest study “Advanced Air Mobility On the Runway to Commercialization”. However, this is also necessary because, unlike a few years ago, the developers of passenger drones must present a convincing business model in addition to a vision in order to attract investors.
However, the basis of a business model with air cabs is a market-ready and fully certified flight model. Many examples from manned aviation show that the path to this goal is expensive and almost impossible to achieve without consistent government support. “If Europe wants to remain competitive when it comes to drones and electric flying, action must be taken now,” appeals Dr. Gerald Wissel to those responsible in the authorities and politics.