VAERIDION, a German aviation firm, has secured US$14.5 million to develop an electric microliner capable of zero-emission regional flights, reports Reuters.

Scheduled for commercial use by 2030, the aircraft will carry up to nine passengers on trips up to 500 kilometers.

CEO Ivor van Dartel emphasized the microliner's potential to address emission reduction and regional connectivity needs.

However, industry leaders, including IATA, warn the sector is not advancing quickly enough to meet net-zero targets by 2050.