From experiment to market maturity?
Just a few years ago, passenger drones were a scenario for science fiction films. Today, car manufacturers, aviation companies and even the military are investing billions in the technology. Companies such as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Wisk Aero, Volocopter and EHang have already developed advanced prototypes. The first autonomous flights with passengers are taking place in China, where EHang was the first company in the world to receive official approval for manned drones in 2023.
The eVTOL category in particular has established itself as a standard term. These electrically powered, vertical take-off and landing aircraft are designed to be low-emission, quiet and cost-effective. Their long-term goal is to revolutionise urban private transport and partially replace helicopter flights.
Different technical concepts
The manufacturers pursue different approaches:
- MulticopterSimple construction with several rotors, but limited range and speed.
- Vectored Thrust and Tilt DuctSwivelling engines enable efficient forward flight, but require complex controls.
- Lift & CruiseCombination of lifting propellers for take-off and landing with separate drives for cruising.
- TranswingWings swivel completely for the respective flight phase.
Innovative drive concepts such as hydrogen fuel cells should enable greater ranges in the future. The US company Joby is already testing drones with a range of over 800 kilometres, while Rolls-Royce is working on hybrid gas turbines.
Europe between regulation and innovation
While countries such as China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates are actively pushing for rapid approvals, the requirements in Europe are significantly higher. The EASA is working on the legal framework for "Innovative Air Mobility", but binding standards for operations, safety and infrastructure are still a long way off.
Germany does play a technological role - for example with Volocopterwhich completed demo flights at the Olympic Games in Paris - but regulatory hurdles and safety requirements are delaying market entry. Lilium, once launched as a beacon of hope, even had to file for insolvency in 2024.
U-Space: A new airspace for drones
A key issue for the integration of passenger drones into air traffic is the planned U-Space. These are special airspace structures in which manned and unmanned aircraft operate together. In future, all participants will be electronically recognisable to ensure safe distances and collision avoidance.
NASA is already experimenting with Digital Flight Rules (DFR)a new category of flight rules developed specifically for automated and digital flight operations.
Infrastructure and acceptance
The operators rely on Vertiportssmall take-off and landing sites on high-rise buildings or near city centres. They are intended to enable short flights - for example between airports and city centres. However, whether passengers are prepared to use fully autonomous drones without a pilot is an open question. Initial concepts therefore envisage remote-controlled operations with ground pilots and emergency systems such as overall rescue parachutes.
Prospects for general aviation
For private pilots, the question arises as to whether manned drones will also be available for recreational use in the future. Special airspaces and licence models are conceivable, similar to aerobatics or gliding today. At the same time, U-space structures could restrict the freedom of movement of traditional GA pilots, as electronic visibility and digital authorisations would become mandatory.
Outlook
Regular operations for manned drones are set to become a reality in many countries by 2030. While Asian countries and the Gulf region are investing heavily, Europe remains more cautious. It is likely that passenger drones will initially establish themselves as luxury shuttle services - a quiet, flexible and more climate-friendly alternative to helicopters. However, further technological breakthroughs in propulsion, infrastructure and regulation are required for long-haul flights and the mass market.
Source references:
Aviation magazine