Airbus Helicopters has decided to discontinue activities on its CityAirbus NextGen electric air taxi. The company believes that the fundamental technologies required to advance the project are not yet mature enough. In a statement on 27 January, Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said, “We do not see the conditions for a programme launch in place,” adding that the decision was made following a strategic review conducted at the end of 2024.
Battery Technology Limitations
Bruno Even highlighted that the battery technology required to support CityAirbus NextGen’s proposed missions—electric flights of 80-100 km (43-54 nm) carrying four passengers—is not yet sufficiently advanced. “Batteries will need to continue improving in terms of performance, and this process will not be completed in the near future,” he stated, explaining why the conditions for launching a new programme are not yet met.
Developments and Future Plans
When Airbus Helicopters introduced the CityAirbus NextGen demonstrator in 2021, the company had hoped to initiate its service entry programme towards the end of this decade. However, due to slower-than-expected advancements in technology, particularly in battery capacity, these plans have been put on hold.
The first flight of CityAirbus NextGen, conducted in November at the company’s facility in Donauwörth, Germany, marked a significant milestone. The aircraft will continue test flights throughout 2025. Even noted that the lessons learned from these tests would contribute to technological advancements that could be applied to Airbus’ fixed-wing or rotary-wing platforms.
Technological Insights and Long-Term Investments
This temporary pause presents Airbus Helicopters with a valuable opportunity. The company plans to integrate insights gained from test flights and current technology into future projects. “We believe we can truly benefit from the lessons learned regarding new onboard architecture and technology,” Even stated, emphasising that these advancements could serve broader aviation applications in the long term.
Outlook
By making a strategic decision regarding the CityAirbus NextGen development, Airbus Helicopters has opted not to proceed with the electric air taxi programme for now. The company will closely monitor progress in battery technology and other critical components before determining its next steps. The test flights in 2025 will serve as the final phase before CityAirbus NextGen’s potential transition to broader commercial operations.
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