HI Uplift: Helis & eVTOLS – a partnership made in … Denmark
A visualisation of the Crisalion's eVTOL wearing the logo of Copenhagen Helicopter.
Mapping out how helicopters could work in partnership with eVTOLs is the aim of a new project in Denmark. The partners – Danish rotary operator Copenhagen Helicopter and Madrid-based eVTOL developer Crisalion Mobility – are working to explore how eVTOLS could work together in a single ecosystem with helicopters and other aircraft.
“AAM [advanced air mobility] solutions are designed to complement, not replace, helicopters, fostering a more flexible, sustainable and efficient air transport ecosystem,” Gustavo Rodriguez, chief technology officer, Crisalion Mobility tells us. “While helicopters will continue to play an important role in emergency services and heavy-lift operations, eVTOLs will be optimised for short- and medium-range regional routes.”
Transport infrastructure
The new partnership aims to integrate eVTOLs into Denmark’s transport infrastructure, providing a quieter, zero-emission alternative for both passenger and cargo transport, particularly in areas with limited ground mobility options. The initial focus of interest will be to explore the feasibility of eVTOL operations between Funen, Denmark’s third largest island and other southeastern islands. Population growth and increasing road congestion in the area makes Funen a good region to introduce the project, according to the partners.
“It’s an ideal time to develop AAM solutions that enhance connectivity while reducing environmental impact,” according to the company. Despite the recent financial woes of eVTOL companies such as Lilium and Volocopter, Crisalion Mobility believes that the advanced air mobility sector is at a critical juncture where innovation, infrastructure and regulation are aligning for real-world implementation.
Air taxis
“Now is the time to build the infrastructure for manned, green-powered air taxis, contributing to the government’s goal of achieving 100% green domestic transport by 2030,” says a spokesman. “I see nothing stopping us from flying to cities like those in Denmark, as advanced air mobility is a global priority and eVTOLs are a viable solution.”
Crisalion is developing a five-seat passenger eVTOL known as Integrity. The battery-powered aircraft, which incorporates a patent-protected FlyFree propulsion system, is projected to have a cruising speed of 112mph (180kmph) and a range of 80 miles (130km). The aircraft, equipped with a 49ft (15m) wing and 16 motors will have a payload of 400kg.
A robust infrastructure framework will be crucial to the success of AAM in Denmark, according to the partners. As part of the new project, they will assess the development of vertiports, charging stations and air traffic management systems to ensure the safe and efficient integration of eVTOLs into existing networks. “Copenhagen Helicopter brings extensive expertise in infrastructure deployment, which will be key to establishing a scalable and efficient AAM ecosystem,” says the company. “Working with airports, regulatory bodies and urban planners will also be crucial in shaping the future of advanced air mobility in the region.”
Copenhagen Helicopter
Based at Roskilde Airport near the Danish capital, Copenhagen Helicopter operates a range of services including air taxi and sightseeing flights. The operator’s fleet includes Airbus Helicopters H135s and Robinson R44s. The business has been monitoring AAM projects for some time, with a view to understanding how best to provide people with a seamless journey between their departure and destination, said Martin W. Andersen, the operator’s CEO.
“This initiative aims to provide residents of the area with a sustainable, fast and efficient transport alternative, improving their access to essential services and promoting economic development in these areas,” he says.
Andersen went on to praise the technologies Crisalion is working with – both in the air and on the ground. “We believe Crisalion’s holistic approach to combine land and air transportation together can contribute to an efficient AAM in Denmark, where increasing population growth also brings more congestion on the roads.”
Over the coming months, the partners will begin assessing real-world applications and infrastructure requirements for eVTOL operations in Denmark. Crisalion has started the Design Organisation Approval (DOA) certification process and is conducting practical tests.
During the past six months the eVTOL developer has secured 145 pre-sales of its eVTOL across four continents – including Wilbur Air in Melbourne, Australia. The first full-scale flight tests are due to begin next year. Meanwhile, if you enjoyed reading this article, please encourage colleagues to sign up here to receive our free weekly newsletter. Thanks.
HI Uplift Dashboard: Helicopters for sale
Multi engine
Total for sale/lease: 293 – the same as last week
Percentage for sale/lease: 3.93
Absorption rate: 4.18 months
Total fleet: 7,458 – 13 more than last week.
Single engine
Total for sale/lease: 441 – 10 fewer than last week
Percentage for sale/lease: 3.82
Absorption rate: 4.18 months
Total fleet: 11,554 – 11 more than last week.
Source: AMSTAT, February 21st, 2025.
