With what they call their microliner, Vaeridion’s plan is to be able to transport nine passengers and a crew up to 500 kilometers. To achieve this goal, the Munich startup is relying on an aerodynamic design that is inspired by gliders. In addition, the batteries are integrated into the wings – not into the fuselage as is usually the case – in order to further optimize the structural weight and therefore the range as well According to the startup, the microliner provides the highest level of energy efficiency in its class without making sacrifices in terms of safety or comfort. By combining this high level of energy efficiency with the available battery and drive technology, Vaeridion wants to achieve long distances of up to 500 kilometers.
In the future, the aim is for the aircraft from the Munich-based company to facilitate connections between large airports, regional airports and the many smaller airfields that have been rarely used until now. This will provide better access to regions without connections to highways or high-speed trains. The Vaeridion aircraft is to be certified and delivered as early as 2030. In an initial funding round, the Munich-based company was already able to raise 3.2 million euros.
Munich Startup: What does your startup do? What problem are you solving?
Vaeridion: We solve three problems:
- Emission-free aviation for short-haul flights
- Accessibility to regions that have bad connections by using existing airfields
- Reduction of energy consumption per person per kilometer
Munich Startup: But that’s nothing out of the box!
Vaeridion: At the moment, there’s only one certified electric aircraft with two seats and a flight duration of 45 minutes. There are others who are working on similar concepts, but none of them have been implemented yet.
“In the beginning, we didn’t necessarily want to found a company”
Munich Startup: What’s your founding story?
Vaeridion: In the beginning, we didn’t necessarily want to found a company. What we realized, however, was that it isn’t possible yet to implement a sustainable concept for large commercial aircraft with current technology, but that it could indeed be feasible for small electric aircraft. What then quickly became apparent was that implementing it properly would mean: do it yourself – so we ended up founding the company.
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Vaeridion: We’ve found super candidates for our positions, but it takes several months before employees from non-EU countries are allowed to work here.
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, and where in five years?
Vaeridion: In one year, we’ll have mitigated the most important technical risks and have proven our feasibility. In five years – just before certification – we’ll be Europe’s largest e-aircraft company.
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Vaeridion: It’s excellent! For both specific topics in aviation and as a startup in general, Munich is an attractive city for new employees.
Munich Startup: Outsource or DIY?
Vaeridion: We will most likely outsource everything that is not new, part of the core technology or important for integration.