Aero-Dienst and battery-electric aircraft manufacturer Vaeridion are to conduct a feasibility study into the use of eCTOL aircraft for air ambulance operations. They will look at operational and maintenance scenarios as well as the cabin design with intensive care medical equipment for Vaeridion's Microliner.

"A conventional design of the Microliner coupled with novel propulsion technologies and optimised aerodynamic performance provide the shortest route to certification in the CS-23 category. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation and to cooperate with Aero-Dienst, one of the leading air ambulance and business aircraft operators in Germany," says Ivor van Dartel, co-founder and CEO of Vaeridion.

"We want to contribute to the further development of aviation and check the aspect of sustainability as an option for our ambulance fleet," adds Dr Oliver Kosing, CEO at Aero-Dienst. "The use of eCTOL ambulance aircraft would offer a tactical advantage for patient repatriations, as patients and med crew could be transported faster than with ground transportation in an ambulance, and also completely emissions-free."

With over 65 years of experience in the maintenance and operation of business and ambulance jets, Aero-Dienst will also help develop the maintenance concept for Vaeridion's battery-electric aircraft.

For Vaeridion, this agreement is a significant step towards commercialisation of its product. It will enable the company to ensure the fastest route-to-market while enabling high-quality maintenance assistance to customers year-round.

Markus Kochs-Kämper, vice president engineering, says: "Aero-Dienst has enormous maintenance experience in general aviation domain and will be helping us to develop the maintenance concept for a battery-electric aircraft, as well as maintenance planning and training programmes. We are looking forward to driving the change in sustainable aviation together with this trusted partner."

Aero-Dienst has an established network of maintenance stations in Germany at Nuremberg and Oberpfaffenhofen, and in Austria at Vienna and Klagenfurt, and this cooperation agreement is an important milestone towards expanding its operations in sustainable aviation.

"Vaeridion is an industry trailblazer in aviation. We are delighted about the cooperation and about being able to play a key role in implementing the groundbreaking eCTOL technology," says CEO André Ebach.