ASL Group and Flying Group plan to operate 35 electric aircraft from Antwerp International Airport, also known as Deurne, from around 2030. ASL has ordered 10 Microliner aircraft from German manufacturer Vaeridion, while Flying Group has ordered 25 aircraft from Britain’s Vertical Aerospace. The orders target short-distance passenger and business aviation, with the first Vaeridion aircraft expected in 2030.
Vaeridion’s aircraft are expected to carry up to nine passengers and have a range of about 400 km. ASL plans to operate them from Deurne and other airports, initially focusing on business travellers and rapid point-to-point journeys. The company is assessing potential regular passenger services, including a possible Antwerp-London route, but no scheduled connection has been confirmed.
Flying Group’s aircraft are initially expected to carry six people over about 160 km. The operator sees them as a quieter, lower-emission alternative to helicopters for business trips, including transfers to airports.
Antwerp Airport is preparing the required ground infrastructure. By 2030, it plans to install a solar park and battery park, while refurbishment of aircraft parking areas will include conduits for charging cables. ASL already operates two small Pipistrel electric aircraft at Deurne for pilot training, but their approximately 40-minute endurance limits their use. The new orders remain subject to aircraft development, certification, delivery schedules, battery performance and the availability of charging facilities.