Airbus has today set the stage for a groundbreaking leap forward in urban air mobility with the unveiling of its fully electric CityAirbus NextGen prototype. The eagerly anticipated prototype, weighing in at two tonnes and boasting a wingspan of approximately 12 meters, promises to revolutionize urban transportation with its cutting-edge capabilities.
The two-tonne class CityAirbus, with a wing span of approximately 12 metres, is being developed to fly with a 80 km range and to reach a cruise speed of 120 km/h, making it perfectly suited for operations in major cities for a variety of missions.
The unveiling of the CityAirbus NextGen prototype marks a significant milestone for Airbus and the future of air mobility. Scheduled for its maiden flight later this year, the prototype represents the culmination of extensive research, development, and testing efforts aimed at bringing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology to the forefront of urban transportation.
The debut of the CityAirbus NextGen coincided with the inauguration of Airbus’s state-of-the-art test center in Donauwörth, Germany. This dedicated facility, exclusively focused on testing eVTOL systems, underscores Airbus’s commitment to advancing the field of advanced air mobility (AAM). Since commencing operations in December 2023 with the power-on of the CityAirbus NextGen, the test center has been instrumental in conducting rigorous assessments of the aircraft’s electric motors, eight rotors, flight controls, and avionics.
Balkiz Sarihan, Head of Urban Air Mobility at Airbus, expressed gratitude to the global community, team members, and partners for their contributions to this transformative endeavor. Sarihan emphasized the significance of the CityAirbus NextGen as a tangible step towards realizing Airbus’s vision for the future of air transportation.
In tandem with its technological advancements, Airbus is forging strategic partnerships and expanding its global network to nurture a thriving AAM ecosystem. A recent collaboration with LCI, a leading aviation company, underscores Airbus’s commitment to developing innovative partnership scenarios and business models in key areas such as strategy, commercialization, and financing.
As Airbus propels the CityAirbus NextGen towards its inaugural flight, anticipation continues to build within the aviation industry and among urban communities worldwide.