Volocopter: UAM could generate over $3bn for Singapore by 2030

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The adoption of UAM in Singapore could generate $3.1bn in economic benefits and create up to 1,300 local jobs by 2030, according to a new report from eVTOL aircraft developer, Volocopter.

The Singapore roadmap proposes building four to six VoloPorts which would initially serve tourist flights over Marina Bay and Sentosa. The network would then be expanded to include services to Changi Airport and cross-border flights to Indonesia and Malaysia

Christian Bauer, chief commercial officer, Volocopter, said: “We are excited to have progressed to the next step of our UAM journey in Singapore today, by presenting a roadmap that sets out further details on the business and operation plans leading up to our commercial launch in the next two years. This can only be achieved through our close collaboration we have been fostering for the last few years with the Singaporean authorities and other local partners.”

The proposed services would utilise the German firm’s all-electric two-seater VoloCity eVTOL aircraft, and its four-passenger VoloConnect model. The VoloCity, which is hoped to enter service in around two years’ time , will have a 22-mile flying range, while the VoloConnect will be able to operate up to 63 miles.

In 2019, Singapore became the first city to host a crewed air taxi flight operated by an eVTOL company when Volocopter flew over Marina Bay. The firm’s consumer study undertaken as part of the report showed that 72% of Singaporeans expressed “high interest in flying in a VoloCity”.

Bauer added: “Basing our APAC [Asia-Pacific] headquarters in Singapore has enabled us to expand rapidly into other countries across the region. For example, we established a joint venture with Geely in China, joined the Osaka Roundtable in Japan., and conducted South Korea’s first crewed public air taxi test flights. We believe the launch of UAM in Singapore will truly enhance the Lion City’s position as one of the most innovative cities in the world.”