FlyNow Aviation’s eCopter Takes Flight, Advancing Sustainable Urban Air Travel.

Photo Credits: Fly Now Aviation

Eastern Austria, Aviation startup FlyNow Aviation has successfully completed the first free, untethered flight of its electric helicopter, the eCopter, marking a milestone that could reshape the future of personal air travel. 

“This successful flight is more than just a technical milestone, it’s visible proof that our vision works,” said Yvonne Winter, co-founder and COO of FlyNow Aviation. 

Founded in 2019, the company has set out to create efficient, clean and affordable flying solutions, particularly for urban environments. Unlike many competitors focusing on air taxi services, FlyNow’s vision for the eCopter is more personal: a small electric helicopter designed to give individuals the freedom to fly on their own. 

The move could represent a breakthrough for sustainable travel. Air travel accounts for more than 2% of global carbon emissions, with private jet flights being among the most polluting per passenger. By contrast, electric air travel offers a cleaner, greener alternative, complementing other eco-friendly options such as train travel and electric vehicles. 

FlyNow plans to launch commercial cargo operations by 2027, with passenger services expected to follow once the eCopter completes over one million kilometres (more than 620,000 miles) of successful testing. 

“Every milestone brings us closer to making urban air mobility accessible for everyone,” Winter added. 

If successful, FlyNow’s eCopter could transform how we think about urban transportation, offering not just convenience, but also a meaningful step toward reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.