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After thoroughly analyzing and monitoring a huge number of AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) projects worldwide, Copenhagen Helicopter has selected the Spain-based Crisalion Mobility for a wide-scale air transport program in Denmark.
Denmark is one of the countries that could greatly benefit from alternative air mobility solutions. Local connectivity between its islands needs to be improved, with a significant impact on multiple levels. Copenhagen Helicopter has built a solid reputation as an air transport service provider over 15 years, and it’s gradually implementing new-generation solutions for greater sustainability and efficiency.
One of the plans is to kick off regular air taxi operations between the island of Fynia and several of the south-eastern islands. Like in many other countries with similar geographical characteristics and challenges, eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing) have the potential to transform mobility and help people in local communities gain easier access to essential services.
The Danish operator officially chose Crisalion Mobility as its main partner in this ambitious program after having monitored more than 1,000 eVTOL companies around the world. The company’s CEO described Crisalion’s specific choice of technologies as “very interesting.”
One of these technologies was custom-developed by another Spanish player, the Tecnalia research hub, for Crisalion’s Integrity eVTOL; it’s the FlyFree technology, an advanced rotor control software designed to improve maneuverability, stability, and safety.
Another unique feature of Crisalion’s vision is that air and ground transportation are intertwined based on the two main concepts of electrification and automation. For ground-based operations, another innovative technology, the Intellydrive, allows operators to control any type of vehicle and to manage vehicle convoys for coordinated travel. In other words, in addition to its aircraft equipped with exclusive technology, the Spanish company is also offering a unique fleet management solution based on remote control.
Crisalion’s vision and solutions were impressive enough to catch the eye of UrbanLink, the company aiming to become the first independent airline in the US to provide all-electric AAM solutions.
At the end of last year, the South Florida operator announced it would add Crisalion’s air taxi to its all-electric fleet. However, these aircraft will not be operating in the US but in Europe. More specifically, UrbanLink plans to operate Crisalion eVTOLs in Spain and Italy as part of its worldwide operations.
Unlike many of the air taxis on the market, which stick to the standard two-passenger configuration, this Spanish electric aircraft is roomy enough for five. Best-suited for short-to-medium-distance travel like intercity transport, it promises a 100 km (62 miles) range at 180 kph (112 mph).
Copenhagen Helicopter is exploring the Crisalion eVTOL’s potential for both passenger and cargo transportation. The two companies will first analyze and set up the best strategy for air taxi operations in Denmark, including the required infrastructure, so it will take some time before the Spanish eVTOLs actually take to the sky in the Scandinavian country. Still, it’s a big step forward for local connectivity.
