Vaeridion and ASL Group are targeting the electrification of business aviation flights with new agreement.
Vaeridion is a Munich based company aiming to certify and deliver a nine-passenger electric aircraft before 2030. Its co-founder and CEO, Ivor van Dartel believes business aviation will be among the first to adopt electric flight.
“Today’s business aviation sector is under large pressure to become more sustainable but has also always been an early adopter of new technology,” he said. “Joining forces with one of Europe’s leading business aviation operators – ASL Group – will enable us to bring the Microliner design forward, leveraging ASL’s operational know-how and understanding of the passenger’s needs.”
ASL Group, which already has a deal with Lilium for its eVTOL, plans to use the electric aircraft in its fleet. Vaeridion says the foreseeable market size for eCTOL aircraft will range from 5,000 to 10,000 aircraft by 2040.
Philippe Bodson, CEO ASL Group, said: “ASL Group aims to be at the forefront of sustainable aviation developments. Amongst others we were the first to operate fully electric Pipistrel training aircraft in Belgium and we continuously look for ways to further reduce our ecological footprint. Our collaboration with Vaeridion will contribute to making electric flying a reality in an important segment of our business activity, namely short-haul trips in the four to nine seater aircraft segment.”
ASL launched its Responsible Initiative for Sustainable Environment (RISE ) in 2020, the agreements with Lilium and Vaeridion form part of the programme. Bodson added: “Our company is constantly seeking new ways to operate responsibly and contribute to a healthy future, both socially and ecologically.”