#WomeninAviation: Building the Future of Aviation: Eight Years in the eVTOL IndustryJuly 31, 2026|
Marie has spent nearly eight years at the forefront of the eVTOL industry, helping shape the future of advanced air mobility through a combination of business development, public affairs, and strategic partnerships. From leading preparations for the planned VoloCity launch in Paris to advancing innovative applications in emergency medical aviation, she has played a key role in building the ecosystem needed to bring a new generation of aircraft into commercial operation. Today, following Volocopter’s acquisition by Diamond Aircraft, Marie continues to drive business development and sales, working closely with customers and partners to turn the vision of sustainable urban air mobility into reality.
You have been working in the eVTOL industry for almost eight years. How has your journey evolved?
When I joined the eVTOL industry nearly eight years ago, the industry was still in its infancy. Throughout that time, I've had the opportunity to contribute from many different angles: starting in Public Affairs, moving into Business Development, then leading the project for our planned launch in Paris, and today driving Business Development and Sales following Volocopter's acquisition by Diamond Aircraft.
Looking back, I've realized that bringing a new aircraft to market is about far more than developing innovative technology. It requires building an entire ecosystem—bringing together regulators, infrastructure partners, operators, customers and local authorities around a shared vision.
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is that no two days are alike. I get to work at the intersection of aviation, business and innovation, helping turn a bold idea into a commercially viable reality.
What has been the most defining project of your career so far?
Without hesitation, the Paris project.
As Project Manager for the planned VoloCity launch during the Paris Olympic Games, I had the privilege of working alongside Groupe ADP, public authorities and many other partners to prepare what would have been the world's first commercial eVTOL operations in a major European city.
Although VoloCity did not receive Type Certification within the required timeline—largely due to technical challenges that remain among the biggest hurdles for the eVTOL industry—I still consider the project one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
Together, we demonstrated that the ecosystem around urban air mobility can be built. We developed flight procedures, identified routes and diversion sites, planned infrastructure, designed the customer journey, developed pricing strategies and business models, and prepared the operational framework required to launch commercial services in one of the world's most complex aviation environments. Everything was ready. No showstoppers.
What stands out most, however, is the way we worked together. Throughout the project, Volocopter, Groupe ADP and the authorities truly operated as one team. We approached challenges with complete transparency, assumed the best intentions from one another and remained focused on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. Every time we encountered what seemed like an impossible obstacle, the resilience, positivity and creativity of everyone involved allowed us to move forward together.
That experience fundamentally changed my perspective on partnerships. I realized that when launching a completely new form of aviation, choosing the right partner is just as important as having the right technology. While the aircraft ultimately did not fly commercially during the Games, we proved that the operational ecosystem could be built, and the knowledge and relationships we developed continue to shape how we approach future launches today.
How has your work changed since joining the Diamond Aircraft family?
Joining the Diamond Aircraft family has been an opportunity to take a step back and rethink the most effective path to bringing eVTOL aircraft to market.
Rather than changing our long-term vision, Diamond brought decades of general aviation expertise and a pragmatic perspective that complements Volocopter's pioneering spirit. Together, we have been able to build on everything we've learned over the past years and refine our commercial strategy.
The introduction of VoloXpro is a great example of this approach. Building on the robust architecture of our flagship aircraft, it enables a faster certification pathway while opening entirely new market opportunities. Beyond future commercial operators, we are now also engaging with private owners, flight schools and other aviation customers. Earlier certification will not only generate valuable operational experience and revenue—it will also strengthen our credibility as we continue progressing towards Type Certification of VoloCity.
Personally, I've enjoyed focusing on a more targeted product portfolio and working much closer to certification. Customer conversations have become increasingly tangible, with discussions moving from long-term concepts to concrete commercial opportunities with binding sales contracts.
What excites you most about your current role?
One of the highlights of my current role has been leading our collaboration with ADAC Luftrettung.
I was fortunate to inherit a partnership that was already very mature, allowing me to build on the excellent work of many colleagues before me. It has been an incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding of both the operational and commercial aspects of introducing eVTOL aircraft into Helicopter Emergency Medical Services.
Interestingly, this project reminds me of one of the biggest lessons from Paris.
Paris taught me that selecting the right launch partner is one of the most important ingredients for success. Introducing a completely new form of aviation requires organizations that trust each other, communicate openly and remain committed to solving challenges together.
That is exactly what I experience with ADAC Luftrettung today. Their team combines decades of operational expertise with genuine enthusiasm for the potential of eVTOL technology in HEMS. They challenge us, inspire us and share the conviction that this technology can create real value for patients, crews and healthcare systems.
Working with a partner that is so operationally experienced, forward-thinking and aligned on the long-term vision is energizing. For me, ADAC represents the kind of launch partner every aircraft manufacturer hopes to have.
Beyond the commercial opportunity, I also find the mission deeply motivating. Helping shape the future of emergency medical aviation combines meaningful societal impact with an exciting business opportunity—a combination that makes this project particularly rewarding.
What does being a woman in aviation mean to you?
Aviation has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, but my career has always been defined more by the projects I've had the opportunity to work on than by my gender.
I've been fortunate to work alongside passionate colleagues, inspiring customers and outstanding partners who all share the same ambition: bringing a new generation of aviation to life.
If my journey encourages more women to consider a career in aviation, I would be delighted. But I hope the main message is that this industry offers extraordinary opportunities for anyone who enjoys solving complex problems, building partnerships and shaping the future of flight. The future of aviation will be built by diverse teams with different backgrounds and perspectives—and I am fortunate to be part of that journey.
