Aviation firm Vaeridion, founded by ex-Airbus execs, raises 14 million euros

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Vaeridion, a German aviation firm developing an electric microliner as the aviation industry makes a push to cut emissions, said it had raised 14 million euros ($14.70 million).

The company, founded in 2021 by former Airbus managers Ivor van Dartel and Sebastian Seemann, said the money raised would be used in its plans to develop an electric microliner which will offer commercial flights by 2030.

Its plane will carry up to nine passengers along with crew members, and is aimed at short-haul flights in Europe for distances of up to 500 kilometres.

"With the Microliner, we are addressing both the need for zero-emission travel alternatives and the demand for enhanced regional connectivity," said Vaeridion CEO van Dartel.

Earlier this month, airline trade body IATA's head Willie Walsh said the aviation industry was not moving fast enough to reach targets for producing and using sustainable aviation fuel, with the sector aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.

($1 = 0.9523 euros)

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Jan Harvey)