A new strategy envisages test routes for air taxis from 2026 on, with nationwide operations to commence in 2032. Minister Wissing said: “We want to leverage the economic potential.”

The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport launched its new Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Strategy today. The Strategy aims to establish Germany as a leader in the development and operation of drones and electric flying taxis (eVTOL).

Federal Transport Minister Dr Volker Wissing:

Drones and flying taxis will revolutionize air transport. They create a new world of transport for goods and people and drive forward electric flight and, as a result, climate-friendly aviation. With our AAM Strategy, we are taking a proactive approach to this disruptive technology. We want these futuristic aircraft to be produced and operated in Germany. This not only creates new high-tech jobs, it also secures our status as a leading nation of industry and innovation in the long term.

The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport is taking the following eight measures to improve the conditions for operating drones and flying taxis in Germany.

1. Phasing in AAM:
   The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport plans to implement AAM in four phases over the period to 2032. This starts with the establishment of initial test routes by 2026, followed by the designation of geographically restricted AAM zones by 2028. By 2030, these zones are to be expanded to include regional transport services and finally, by 2032, AAM operations are to be underway nationwide.
2. Pilot qualifications:
   We are creating efficient training foundations to meet the demand for qualified AAM pilots. As part of this process, we are working to enable holders of existing pilots’ licences to fly eVTOL after additional training, and our long-term goal is to introduce a dedicated VTOL licence.
3. Establishment of vertiports:
   We are developing the necessary infrastructure to allow eVTOL to take off and land. This includes creating special landing facilities and integrating this infrastructure into existing transport systems.
4. Specifying flight routes:
   We are defining safe and efficient flight routes for AAM services. In doing so, we are taking account of existing airspace structures and developing new route concepts.
5. Safety via airspace integration:
   We are driving forward the development of new ATM/UTM systems to ensure the safe integration of AAM in the existing airspace. The aim is to gradually integrate UTM and ATM so that all airspace users can identify one another.
6. Research and development:
   We are promoting innovation in the AAM sector to strengthen Germany as a technology hub. This includes supporting research projects and cooperating closely with industry and research establishments.
7. Regulatory framework conditions and effective management:
   We are creating a flexible regulatory framework to facilitate the safe implementation of AAM by adapting existing rules and developing new regulations.
8. Investment environment:
   We are promoting an attractive investment environment to support AAM development in Germany. This includes incentivizing private sector investment and providing funding.

The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport will continuously evaluate the implementation of the strategy and align it with new developments. You can download the strategy here.