First acceptance, then rejection
Volocopter boss makes serious accusations against Aiwanger
May 6, 2024, 8:28 p.m
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In the capital-intensive flying taxi industry, many startups rely on government help. The Volocopter developer hopes to obtain the necessary financial resources in Bavaria. The Ministry of Economic Affairs under Hubert Aiwanger first gives hope and then vetoes it.
The head of the Baden air taxi manufacturer Volocopter is irritated by the rejection of state support from Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Baden-Württemberg, where the company has its headquarters in Bruchsal, had already delayed the decision and then communicated it poorly, said Dirk Hoke in a published “Capital” interview. Hoke told the business magazine that he couldn’t really explain why the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Bavaria rejected a guarantee contrary to his announcement.
Volocopter presented Minister Hubert Aiwanger with the vertical take-off and landing aircraft with a distinctive ring for the rotors on the roof. “It was a positive visit,” Hoke said. Aiwanger also signaled that he would not block if another department wanted to support. The startup then had good discussions with the CSU-led Ministry of Science, but ultimately received the information that the Ministry of Economics had vetoed it, said Hoke. “You can at least be surprised.” Aiwanger’s decision angered the CSU.
Most recently, according to the information, a total of 100 million euros was involved from the federal government and Bavaria. “Of course, in an industry as technologically complex and capital-intensive as ours, you also look towards the state,” said Hoke. “We need support now, just before commercialization.”
To date, Volocopter does not have a type certificate for commercial passenger operations. The company had announced that it wanted to launch it at the Olympic Games in Paris.