ASL Group has become a launch customer for Munich-based Vaeridion's all-electric Microliner. The companies are forming an advisory committee to guide market and operational readiness, including new collaborations with top-tier aerospace technology partners for the aircraft's propulsion system development.

Designed to reshape regional air mobility in Europe and beyond, the Microliner will offer fully electric, high-efficiency and low-noise flight tailored to the unique needs of short-haul travel. The aircraft will facilitate connections between large and regional airports and smaller airfields that have been under-utilised until now, providing better access to regions without direct connections to highways or high-speed trains.

With this announcement, Vaeridion enters a new phase in its journey toward zero-emission regional aviation, officially launching the next stage of its development programme.

“We are now entering the exciting stage of launching an aircraft development programme,” says Ivor van Dartel, CEO and co-founder of Vaeridion. “Securing our launch customer and working with outstanding technology partners set the stage to deliver emission-free flight as a scalable, real-world solution before the end of this decade.”

ASL Group, a pioneering Benelux business aviation operator with a growing semi-scheduled network, has placed an order for the Microliner and will become the aircraft's first commercial operator upon entry into service. Through its order of Vaeridion aircraft, ASL is poised to be at the forefront of innovation. The company will initially target business travellers, with plans to expand into consumer travel and scheduled services as the technology matures.

Vaeridion's market advisory committee brings together leading stakeholders from across the aviation ecosystem. Confirmed participants include Aero-Dienst, ASL Group, Cirium, Copenhagen Air Taxi, CPH Helicopters, IBA, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, MBA, Monte and TrueNoord along with several additional stakeholders that have chosen to remain unnamed at this stage.

This collaborative environment, uniting key ecosystem players to share knowledge, perspectives and best practices, ensures a coordinated and effective readiness for the Microliner's entry into service.

“I am very proud to announce our launching customer ASL Group today. Together with it, key industry stakeholders and members of our market advisory committee, we are leading the way to cost-effective and emission free regional flights.”, states Taco Stouten, CCO at Vaeridion. “To maintain our competitive edge and achieve excellence, customer engagement will be key as we advance the development of our 100 per cent electric commercial aircraft.”

Vaeridion and ASL Group began their partnership in 2023 with a shared vision for low-emission regional air mobility. ASL sees the Microliner as a cornerstone for future growth, offering a unique blend of economic efficiency and environmental responsibility.

“The Microliner has the potential to redefine regional air travel,” exclaims Johan Maertens, co-CEO of ASL Group. “It will allow us to offer faster, cleaner and more flexible services, creating new travel options and breathing new life into underused regional airports.”

As Vaeridion prepares for the aircraft's first flight, it is collaborating with Evolito, an expert in electric propulsion systems, and MT-Propeller, a leader in advanced propeller design. Both companies are supporting the development of the Microliner's propulsion system in the next phase of development and system integration and testing.

“These collaborations mark a significant step forward on the path to the Microliner's first flight,” adds Markus Kochs-Kämper, CTO at Vaeridion. “Vaeridion is proud to collaborate with leading technology partners, including Evolito and MT Propeller, to advance the development of its electric propulsion system. These best-in-class partnerships will accelerate the achievement of technology readiness for the upcoming flight test campaign. Together, we are committed to delivering a revolutionary 100% electric aircraft that promises to redefine the future of regional aviation.”

Since its inception, the Microliner programme has been dedicated to developing a purpose-built electric aircraft tailored for short-haul routes under 400 kilometres, excluding reserves, a segment that accounts for nearly one-third of all European flights. Targeting entry into commercial service by 2030, the Microliner aims to deliver a clean, efficient and accessible solution for regional aviation. With ASL Group confirmed as the launch customer and both technological and market collaborations progressing, Vaeridion is now gearing up for its next major development milestone: the flight test campaign.

The company is backed by world-class investors among them World Fund, Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding and InnovationQuarter and has received funding support from both the German Federal Government and the Bavarian State Government. Its management team brings decades of combined experience in the aerospace industry, ensuring strategic leadership and technical excellence. With a growing team of over 60 highly skilled professionals, the company continues to attract top-tier talent dedicated to advancing the future of aerospace innovation.