Vaeridion's Microliner: Revolutionizing Regional Air Travel with Simpler Electric Flight
The air taxi industry is facing turbulence. UK-based Vertical Aerospace struggles with cash shortages, while Germany's Lilium flirts with bankruptcy. Investors remain cautious as commercialization timelines extend. The challenges? Building, certifying, and deploying electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is expensive, time-consuming, and bound by stringent regulations.
Amid this, German startup Vaeridion is carving out a simpler and potentially more viable path to electric aviation with its innovative “microliner” — a battery-powered aircraft resembling a traditional plane.
Microliner: A Familiar Yet Electric Experience
Vaeridion’s microliner operates like conventional planes, taking off and landing on runways. "The only difference is that it will be powered by batteries," says Vaeridion CEO and co-founder Ivor van Dartel, likening its approach to Tesla's transformation of automobiles.
The startup has achieved a significant milestone by securing a Pre Application Contract (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This agreement serves as a precursor to full aircraft certification, allowing Vaeridion to collaborate with regulators, refine designs, and mitigate potential obstacles.
First to Lead in EASA’s Pre-Application Service
Launched in 2023, EASA's pre-application service supports manufacturers in de-risking technology before submitting type certification applications. Vaeridion is the first general aviation company to secure this contract.
“This is a huge milestone,” says Markus Kochs Kämper, Vaeridion’s head of engineering. “It paves the way for certifying our electric aircraft and avoids the need for costly demonstrators.”
A New Era of Regional Flights
Founded in 2021 by aerospace engineers Van Dartel and Sebastian Seemann (former Airbus and ZF engineers), Vaeridion envisions the microliner replacing jet-fueled aircraft for short-haul regional flights. With an estimated range of 500km, the microliner doubles the range advertised by most eVTOL startups, enabling routes like London to Amsterdam or Berlin to Munich.
Efficiency by Design
Vaeridion’s microliner is a single-propeller aircraft designed for optimal aerodynamics. Inspired by gliders, its shape minimizes drag, while batteries embedded in the wings improve weight distribution and efficiency. This streamlined design reduces development and manufacturing costs compared to complex eVTOL systems.
Ambitious Timeline and Market Position
Vaeridion aims to have its first prototype flight-ready by 2027, adhering to full EASA type certification standards. Commercial flights are expected by 2030. By leveraging proven aviation technologies, the company reduces risks while positioning the microliner as a cost-effective, scalable alternative to experimental eVTOL models.
Future-Proofing with Battery Innovations
Vaeridion plans to manufacture its planes and generate recurring revenue by regularly replacing batteries with improved chemistries, which will enhance range and performance.
With ticket prices projected at €150–€300, the microliner is tailored for business travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
Shaping the Future of Electric Air Travel
Vaeridion’s focus on simplicity and scalability could make it a game-changer in sustainable aviation, addressing key pain points faced by eVTOL startups. However, achieving this vision hinges on securing substantial funding — a challenge the startup appears confident in overcoming.
As the microliner edges closer to reality, Vaeridion might redefine electric regional air travel, making it an accessible and reliable alternative to traditional jet-fueled flights.