Paris Olympic Air Taxi Test Plans Postponed

Plans to flight-test air taxis during the Paris Olympics have been delayed due to certification issues. While passenger flights are postponed, a test flight without passengers will take place at Versailles on the Olympics’ closing day. The project has faced criticism over exclusivity and noise concerns.

Plans to flight-test so-called air taxis carrying passengers during the Paris Olympic Games have been scrapped as certification for the vehicle's engines were not secured in time, said French airport operator ADP on Thursday. The project, backed by ADP and German manufacturer Volocopter, aimed to demonstrate carbon-free aviation in an urban setting during the Olympics.

A test flight without passengers will still occur at Chateau de Versailles on the closing day of the Olympics, according to ADP CEO Augustin de Romanet, who cited delays in motor deliveries from U.S. suppliers as the primary obstacle. Paris city officials had criticized the project, labeling it as catering to the ultra-rich and causing noise pollution.

Originally, the air taxis were planned to land on a floating platform on the Seine river near the Austerlitz railway station in southern Paris during the Olympics. While a crewed test flight has previously taken place, the project's spotlight showcase will be postponed. Authorities in Versailles have approved the test flight, set to take off from the Grand Trianon building grounds, highlighting the vehicle's potential as an emergency transport.

(With inputs from agencies.)