Almost two decades ago, Ivor van Dartel, Co-founder and CEO of Vaeridion, realized that electric aviation could cast the industry in a new, more positive light. However, he could not have anticipated how quickly the technology would progress in the years that followed. In a short span of time, electric cars gained traction, and batteries became smaller and more efficient. Sectors like automotive, mobile communications, and computing made significant advancements in lithium-ion technology. These developments have resulted in battery cells powerful enough to propel an electric airplane, marking a significant step forward for the aviation industry. Today, in 2025, the technological prerequisites and regulations are in place. Vaeridion is ready to make emission-free flying a reality. “It works—we’ve received the green light for small aircraft with a capacity of up to nine passengers and a range of 400 kilometers plus reserves.”
This article is part of a series that provides entrepreneurs from Aerospace Delta a platform to share their journey from initial ideas to market entry and realization. What steps do they take, and what is their role within the Aerospace ecosystem? Read the story of Maeve Aerospace here.
Vaeridion’s Microliner is set to take its first flight in 2027, with the first commercial flight planned for 2030.
Why now? The perfect timing for emission-free aviation
Back in 2007, during his studies in aerospace engineering at Delft University of Technology, Ivor discovered the potential of electrification. “During a design project, I realized how well electric propulsion systems suited smaller airplanes. The assignment: design a four-seat training aircraft with sustainability at its core. That idea never left me,” he recalls. After finishing his MSc thesis project within Lockheed Martin on the F-35 electrical system, Ivor joined Airbus where he held several roles, including project leader for the Hybrid Electric Propulsion System of the E-Fan X Hybrid Electric Demonstrator. After his tenure at Airbus, Ivor decided in 2021 to establish his own company focused on a more sustainable aviation future.
The aviation industry is at a tipping point. Thanks to technological breakthroughs, such as more efficient batteries and improved energy density in lithium-ion technology, the conditions are finally ripe for making electric aviation not only technically but, more importantly, economically viable.
“The infrastructure is in place, and so is the technology. What are we waiting for?” asks Bozhena Hryvnak, Head of Growth at Vearidion. With our proprietary technology, small aircraft can carry up to nine passengers over distances of 400 kilometers—emission-free and with minimal operational costs.”
Electric aviation versus high-speed rail
Electric aviation opens up regions that are often difficult to access with existing infrastructure. “High-speed trains are fantastic for long distances between major cities, but many medium-sized cities lack direct rail connections or access to such networks,” Ivor explains. “What they do have are regional airports that, with our emission-free planes, suddenly become commercially viable again.”
By deploying small, electric aircraft, business travelers and commuters can connect quickly and sustainably to destinations that were previously too far away or too expensive to reach. This solution avoids the multi-billion investments needed to expand rail networks. “We don’t see this as competition with trains but rather as a complementary solution. Both modes of transport perfectly complement each other,” adds Bozhena.
With Vaeridion’s nine-seater aircraft, regional connections can be made more efficient, affordable, and cleaner, while travelers retain the freedom to move quickly between cities, regardless of distance or existing infrastructure. “This way, business travelers can journey cleanly and emission-free, even between, for example, Rotterdam and Groningen, saving valuable time compared to traditional travel options.”
Technology that makes a difference
“We project our cost per seat to be comparable to a first-class high-speed train ticket A business traveler can fly emission-free for just a few hundred euros,” Ivor explains. This technology is not only sustainable but also economically viable. Vaeridion’s electric aircraft stand out by their unique propulsion system, designed to maximize safety and efficiency, and the novel installation concept where the most advanced battery modules are mounted into the wing. Moreover, their low maintenance cost and energy consumption result in significant cost savings over conventional aircraft. The company is also collaborating with Dutch and German research institutions to further enhance their product.
What does an electric aircraft offer compared to conventional vehicles? “These types of aircraft have highly efficient propulsion systems, optimized performance, and minimal operating costs. It’s logical: the operational costs decrease because you use less energy.”
The past years at Vaeridion have been entirely dedicated to innovation and validation. “In the first 2.5 years, we focused on validating our concept, developing the technology, and conducting hardware tests,” says Ivor. A critical milestone in this process was the completion of the Pre-Application Contract with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) confirming that the Microliner meets certification standards for commercial passenger aircraft.
Vaeridion bridges Delft and Bavaria
Plans to establish a permanent location in Delft are in full swing. “South Holland offers world-class elements,” Ivor explains. “Consider the presence of TU Delft, the largest aerospace faculty in the Western world, educating 400 students annually. Additionally, we are part of the Aerospace Innovation Hub, which connects us directly with young talent.” Delft’s location offers more than just access to talent. With institutions such as the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG), the proximity to Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RHIA), and leading companies like GKN, South Holland is known for its strong research and production landscape. These factors make it the ideal place to merge Vaeridion’s expertise from Bavaria with Dutch innovation.
“The dialogue here goes beyond just technology,” explains Bozhena. “There is a clear focus on how we can collectively address technological, societal, and environmental challenges.” By connecting these ecosystems, Vaeridion strengthens the international aviation sector. In an earlier phase, InnovationQuarter Capital invested in Vaeridion. According to Ivor van Dartel, this partnership was no coincidence: “From the start, they understood what we wanted to achieve. They think not in terms of profit but in terms of impact.”
A future of clean aviation
With a recent Series A investment of €14 million, led by World Fund with participation from Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and InnovationQuarter, Vaeridion has taken substantial steps toward scaling up. New testing facilities are being established, and battery module production is being expanded. Having proven the concept, the company is entering a new phase of scaling. The team is growing rapidly and will soon consist of 70 to 80 employees, doubling in size compared to last year.
“The dialogue here goes beyond just technology. There is a clear focus on how we can collectively address technological, societal, and environmental challenges.” By connecting these ecosystems, Vaeridion strengthens the international aviation sector.
– Bozhena Hryvnak, Head of Growth Vaeridion
Collaboration in Aerospace Delta
Aerospace Delta is a rapidly growing cluster of 260 companies and knowledge institutions and 9,000 employees in the aerospace, aviation, and drone sectors. The region brings together a wide range of parties: from innovative engineering companies to large manufacturers and suppliers. Academic institutions such as TU Delft, which ranks among the top three worldwide with its Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Erasmus University, and Leiden University contribute their expertise in technology, economics, and law. In addition, there are key research institutes like ESA-ESTEC, TNO, and SRON, as well as incubators like YES!Delft and the Aerospace Innovation Hub, which help startups to grow. The collaboration among all these parties, supported by the province of South Holland and local governments, ensures that the aerospace cluster continues to strengthen, for example through the development of specialised test labs and innovation hubs.
