Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Electric aircraft developer Vaeridion inked a letter of intent (LOI) for more than 100 of its nine-passenger Microliners with six prospective European operators. Reporting the deals at the ILA airshow in Berlin on Wedneday, the German start-up also announced a partnership with drone manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, which will use Vaeridion’s battery technology.
The new sales commitments have been made by a mix of passenger and cargo operators, a leasing group, and a flight training provider. These include private charter operator ABS Jets, German regional airline Avanti Air, Copenhagen Helicopter, E-Flight Academy, and two other undisclosed customers. The LOIs add to the 10 aircraft provisionally ordered by Belgium-based business aviation service provider ASL Group in June 2025.
Last week, Vaeridion announced additions to its market advisory committee. These include ABS Jets, Aer Arann Islands, Avanti Air, BayernLB, BRUS, E-Flight Academy, Green Flyway, IDRF, NRG2fly, and Power Up.
On Tuesday, Vaeridion was among several European electric aviation advocates who sent an <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-06-10/electric-aviation-innovators-call-bizjet-taxes">open letter to the European Commission</a> calling for more support to bring new aircraft to market. Among the group’s demands was a call for new taxes on air services using fossil fuels, with funds to be redirected to decarbonization efforts.
<h2>Microliner Design Review Complete</h2>
According to Munich-based Vaeridion, it has now completed the preliminary design review for the Microliner. It is aiming to achieve type certification in time for the aircraft to enter commercial service in 2030 on sectors of up to 300 nm. The company is aiming to start test flights with a prototype by mid-2028.
“We are encouraged by the growing demand for our electric aviation platform by these seven partners, who serve distinct markets and operating environments, yet all see meaningful value in our electric passenger and freighter aircraft,” said Vaeridion chief business officer Otto Verhoeff. “Their planned applications highlight the breadth and the versatility of the platform. Some expect to operate high-frequency services on new and existing routes from 150 kilometers to 400 kilometers with nine passengers, while others are evaluating four-seat configurations that would enable commercial missions all over the world of up to 550 kilometers.”
General Atomics, which makes military drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper, has not specified how it will use Vaeridion’s batteries. Vaeridion said it expects to deliver the first battery packs from its manufacturing facility at Oberpfaffenhofen later this year.
“Our focus from day one has been on developing airworthy airborne battery packs as a key enabler of electric flight under strict rules of civil aircraft certification,” explained Vaeridion chairman Dennis Luyt, former commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. “At the same time, we recognized that these battery packs have the potential to support a wide range of defense applications where high-power performance is mission-critical.”

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