ENAC Director General Says AAM Technology Nearly Ready but Certification Gaps and Volocopter Setback Slowed Italy's Progress
Why It MattersCertification delays rather than technology readiness remain the key bottleneck holding back commercial launch of Europe's air taxi sector.
Alexander D'Orsogna, Director General of Italy's civil aviation authority ENAC, said in an interview with AGEEI's Aerospazionews that advanced air mobility (AAM) development has faced significant obstacles despite the technology being largely mature. He said the industry, infrastructure and operations are sustainable, but that certifications remain the missing piece, and that service costs are expected to fall as the sector matures.
D'Orsogna pointed to Volocopter's failure to secure EASA type certification ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics as a turning point that dampened commercial and financial interest in the air taxi sector, noting Europe has since made further efforts to advance AAM development.
D'Orsogna also confirmed ENAC has an agreement with Virgin Galactic and is studying construction of a spaceport in Grottaglie, alongside potential aerospace activities at other national airports. He said Italy is also working on the Aviolancio project, managed by the National Research Council, to launch microsatellites using dedicated aircraft in support of the Space Economy, with ENAC and the Italian Space Agency participating in working groups preparing a Prime Ministerial Decree to implement Italy's Law on Space, issued in June 2025.
