VÆRIDION and NLR want to accelerate research and development of short-haul electric aircraft
Paris, 19 June, 2025 — VÆRIDION, a Munich-based aviation start-up developing 100% electric aircraft for regional travel, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), one of Europe’s leading applied aerospace research institutions. The collaboration aims to advance research in sustainable aviation and support the introduction of VÆRIDION’s all-electric Microliner aircraft.
Key highlights:
- VÆRIDION and NLR sign MoU to accelerate development of the 9-seater all-electric Microliner.
- Focus areas include flight testing, systems validation, and regulatory compliance for short-haul regional aircraft.
- Builds on VÆRIDION’s recent expansion into the Netherlands and reinforces commitment to the Dutch aerospace innovation ecosystem.
NLR plays a crucial role in Europe’s aerospace ecosystem and is a cornerstone of the Dutch innovation landscape. As part of a wider network that includes top-tier institutions like TU Delft and a strong industrial base, NLR supports the development of new technologies that are shaping the future of aviation. With a presence across research, policy, and implementation, NLR is uniquely positioned to bridge scientific research with real-world applications.
As part of the MoU, NLR will contribute its cutting-edge capabilities in aerospace systems validation, wind tunnel testing, and flight testing, helping VÆRIDION accelerate the development of its nine-passenger electric aircraft designed for short-haul flights up to 400 km (+IFR).
“This MoU with NLR marks an important step in our development journey,” said Ivor van Dartel, CEO and CO-founder of VÆRIDION. “NLR’s extensive experience with its world-class testing facilities will allow us to de-risk critical aspects of our development roadmap.”
The collaboration builds on the shared mission of both organisations to pioneer cleaner, smarter aviation solutions. With NLR’s proven expertise in sustainable aerospace innovation and VÆRIDION’s engineering approach rooted in simplicity and certification-readiness, the MoU sets a strong foundation for deeper technical exchange and data-driven innovation.
“At NLR, we are committed to support new and ambitious aviation pioneers who are tackling the challenges of sustainability in aviation,” remarked Martin Nagelsmit, CTO of NLR. “This MoU with VÆRIDION reflects our dedication to supporting emerging innovative OEM’s with our applied research, testing, and certification expertise needed to bring innovative concepts, like the Microliner aircraft, to market. By bridging the gap between breakthrough ideas and market application, we aim to accelerate the transition to clean, efficient regional air mobility.”
VÆRIDION recently opened an office in the Netherlands, recognising the country’s strategic importance in sustainable aerospace innovation, levering the growing collaboration between the Dutch and German sustainable aviation ecosystems. This MoU with NLR represents the next logical step in building a robust ecosystem around NLR, TU Delft, and other leading research institutions and industrial partners.
About Royal NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Centre
For over 100 years, NLR has been an ambitious applied research organisation, driven to keep innovating for the benefit of making aerospace more sustainable, safer, efficient and effective. Objectively and independently, we are now laying the foundation for a future meaningful, societal impact.
In a rapidly changing world, mobility and stability needs are constantly evolving. Aware of the social urgency, NLR helps pave the way for promising concepts to quickly see the light of day and transform into disruptive solutions or incremental improvements. We do this by combining a deep understanding of customer needs, multidisciplinary expertise and the use of our leading research facilities.
With expertise spanning flight testing, wind tunnel testing, systems integration, sustainable aviation, and regulatory research, NLR supports both government and industry partners at home and abroad. In this way, NLR contributes to a safer and more sustainable society, strengthening the competitive position of Dutch industry.
For more information, go to www.nlr.org
