Paris Olympics: Flying Taxis and Environmental Concerns

German electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle developer, Volocopter, was set to demonstrate test flights of its helicopter-like “Volocity” aircraft during the Paris Olympics to showcase the potential of low carbon aerial aviation to the world. The project was taken up in partnership with French airport operator ADP, the capital’s metro and bus operator RATP, and was allowed by the Paris regional government with a “vertiport” platform being set up on the Seine. The arrangement was to allow flights from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a limitation of two flights per hour and a total of up to 900 flights.

However, the plans were grounded with safety certifications for its engine not coming through. Only a test flight with no people was carried out on the last day of the 2024 Olympics with a sunrise demonstration over the grounds of the Versailles palace. Even if the certifications had not been an issue, the city of Paris and a collective of organizations fighting air pollution had challenged the decision in court seeking urgent cancellation of the authorization granted by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. The reasons cited included noise pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and increased energy consumption. In 2023, an independent advisory body, the French Environmental Authority, already expressed their reservations about the use of the new mode of transport, citing similar concerns. 

Further, the International Olympic Committees Manual on Sport and the Environment provides that due concern for environmental aspects is a prerequisite for any candidature to host the Olympic Games. Post election of a city, the Commission holds regular meetings with the Organizing Committees and ensures that the ecological requirements are respected at all levels.