German UAM developer Volocopter and IT provider SITA have entered a partnership, with SITA selected as Volocopter's preferred digital and IT systems partner for vertiports.

Under the agreement, SITA has become the latest investor to join Volocopter's Series E funding round, cementing the strategic vision espoused by this partnership.

UAM will offer a new form of sustainable aviation, replete with multiple mobility options to cities worldwide. The company's launch product, the VoloCity electric air taxi, will operate routes in congested megacities to offer future passengers stable, quiet and safe flights. Flights will be hailed via designated boarding points or ‘vertiports’. The partnership is said to have the potential to shape aviation industry standards.

SITA will deploy its expertise in air transport for the emerging UAM industry, developing new operating standards and a digital-first passenger experience. SITA's portfolio includes a wide range of IT solutions, including airport management and operations, passenger operations, flight and aircraft operations, baggage processing and border management.

Volocopter is known for its integrated UAM ecosystem approach. Its digital operating system, the VoloIQ, connects all partners, thus enabling a holistic service. The VoloIQ therefore enables a digital-first approach that will translate to end-to-end passenger air transportation experiences. This cloud-based system is in the process of being certified by the relevant aviation authorities.

Christian Bauer, chief commercial officer at Volocopter, says: “Volocopter consistently takes a holistic ecosystem approach. Working in concert with our partners, we are setting up for commercial operations. This involves establishing the requisite infrastructure, maintenance, flight operations, IT and customer services. SITA is a leading IT provider for airports and airlines, and we believe there is no better partner to make our seamless travel experience possible.”

Sergio Colella, SITA president for Europe, adds: “Volocopter is in pole position to make electric air taxis a reality, benefiting from its first-mover advantage. At SITA, we will play a key role in delivering this new digital UAM world and defining a seamless, smarter approach to air travel in a city environment. Together we will turn the theory into practice as early as 2024 when we expect the first commercial eVTOLs take flight.”