Taylor Wessing advises Diamond and Wanfeng on securing the future of German air taxi pioneer Volocopter

Led by Munich-based partners Dr Hendrik Boss, Dr Daniel Schrembs and Dr Guang Li, the international law firm Taylor Wessing has provided legal advice to Austrian aircraft manufacturer Diamond Aircraft on the reorganization of the German air taxi pioneer Volocopter to secure its future.

Diamond Aircraft, the renowned manufacturer of general aviation aircraft with more than four decades of experience in international business, is part of the Aircraft Division of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group Co. Ltd. With the reorganization of Volocopter, Diamond Aircraft is expanding its aircraft and business portfolio into the field of electric urban air transport.

Bin Chen, Chairman of Diamond Aircraft Group, states: “The future of aviation is shaped by visionaries. Diamond’s broad portfolio is further strengthened by Volocopter, the VoloCity, and future models. Togehter, we are creating the foundation to further develop sustainable air mobility and strengthen Europe as an innovation hub in aviation.”

Founded in 2007, Volocopter is a pioneer in the urban air mobility sector and the first company in the world to receive a manned flight licence from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft.

Diamond Aircraft Group Austria, based in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, has integrated Volocopter with the company headquarters remaining in Bruchsal, Germany.

Diamond Aircraft Group Austria is a subsidiary of Wanfeng Aircraft Division of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group Co., Ltd., and is an internationally renowned general aircraft manufacturer with over four decades of expertise operating internationally. The company’s reorganization of Volocopter will broaden its aircraft and business portfolio into the field of electric urban air transportation, while enabling Volocopter to reduce costs, retain a highly motivated and skilled workforce, and focus on achieving its certification milestones by 2025. The VoloCity, along with its next-generation variants, will continue to evolve successfully over the long term, contributing significantly to the sustainable growth of the aviation industry.

Bin Chen, Chairman of Diamond Aircraft Group states: “The future of aviation is shaped by visionaries. Diamond’s stellar portfolio, its manufacturing expertise, and the addition of Volocopter create a formidable lineup of general aviation flying vehicles. Together, we are laying the foundation to advance sustainable air mobility and strengthen Europe as an innovation hub in aviation.”

Tobias Wahl, insolvency administrator and partner at Anchor Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, added, “Volocopter’s expertise and highly motivated team have consistently set benchmarks in the eVTOL industry. With Diamond Aircraft, we have found a strong strategic partner who will build on this foundation. My special thanks go to the employees for their spirit and commitment. I am grateful that the team can carry on with their impactful work in the European economy.”