Volocopter has partnered with Lufthansa Industry Solutions to build a software platform, VololQ, which would help manage all aspects of operating its planned urban air mobility (UAM) services using its VoloCity eVTOL aircraft. To run on Microsoft Azure, VololQ will use artificial intelligence to connect the various facets of a UAM network, from the local authorities to the transportation providers, flight and ground operations, and customer-facing operations.

Volocopter said the platform will be designed to track air taxi operations globally; enable customer service functions such as simple booking; and integrate with “smart cities,” existing mobility providers, and new services. The German eVTOL aircraft developer added that VololQ would increase safety and efficiency and optimize aircraft utilization.

“VoloIQ is the digital backbone for enabling the whole Volocopter urban air mobility services ecosystem and serves as the brain for our air taxi services,” said Florian Reuter, CEO of Volocopter. “Using big data, it will continuously improve efficiency and have a significant positive impact on our customer service quality.”

Lufthansa Industry Solutions will bring expertise in aviation processes and large-scale aircraft operations as the two companies work together to develop the platform, Reuter added. The division of German airline Lufthansa provides IT consulting and system integration services.

“Digital platforms and integrated solutions are the keys to scale operations globally. They allow a seamless connection between existing ecosystems and new services,” says Bernd Appel, managing director of Lufthansa Industry Solutions. “We look forward to being part of this newest sector of aviation.”

In the near term, VololQ will play an integral role in flight testing and building test operations facilities, Volocopter added. The announced plans for the platform come as the company continues to address various steps necessary to launch UAM services. In September, it offered the first 1,000 reservations for a Volocopter flight and also struck an agreement with Japan Airlines to collaborate on the launch of UAM services in Japan.

Volocopter is working toward certification of the two-seat, all-electric VoloCity and has conducted a series of demonstration flights, including in Singapore; Helsinki, Finland; and Stuttgart, Germany. The company says that it expects to be ready to launch commercial services within two or three years.

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