PARIS: Test flights of so-called flying taxis - futuristic drones capable of transporting people - have been scrapped in Paris during the Olympics as the certification for the engine has not come through, its promoters told AFP Thursday.

German manufacturer Volocopter has been conducting test flights in the Paris region for several years and had lobbied hard for authorisation from European authorities in time for the Olympics.

The company has partnered with French airport operator ADP, the capital's metro and bus operator RATP, and the Paris regional government.

Certification for VoloCity, the engine conceived and made by Volocopter, had been delayed by a few weeks over its motors, ADP deputy CEO Edward Arkwright said.

Initially test flights had been due to take place during the Games, landing on a float on the Seine near the Austerlitz railway station in southeastern Paris.

The promoters had hoped to use the global draw of the Olympics to show that the technology could efficiently link "vertiport" take-off and landing sites.

However test flights without passengers will be held in the aerodrome of the suburban town of Saint Cyr l'Ecole, west of Paris, on Thursday and Sunday, they said.

The town is very close to the Chateau de Versailles where Olympic equestrian events are being held.

 - AFP