SATU AVIATION

EXCEPTIONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES SINCE 2014

WHO WE ARE?

Satu Aviation AG, based in Solothurn, Switzerland, has been in the business travel charter industry since 2014. We specialize in providing exceptional travel experiences using our Embraer Phenom 300 business jet, with hundreds of take-offs and landings at major as well as remote regional airports all over Europe, including those with steep approach, for instance, London City, Lugano, Madeira, Sion, Locarno.

Over the past few years, we have closely monitored the advancements in eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) technology with great interest and enthusiasm. We believe that this innovative approach to medium-range transfers up to 175 km (for now) has the potential to revolutionize business travel and local transfers in Europe, enhancing comfort of people and significantly contributing to sustainability.

Our commitment to pioneering advancements in aviation and our dedication to providing sustainable travel solutions drive us to explore new horizons in the eVTOL space. By integrating cutting-edge technology with our experience, we aim to transform the future of business and leisure transfers in Switzerland, focusing on efficiency over medium distances with sustainable benefits for all.

What is eVTOL?

eVTOL stands for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing, a groundbreaking technology in the field of aviation. These aircrafts are designed to take off and land vertically, much like a helicopter. However, after takeoff, their motors transition to a horizontal position to achieve the most efficient flying geometry, similar to a conventional airplane. They are powered by electric motors, combining the versatility of helicopters with the aerodynamics and efficiency of airplanes, along with the sustainability of electric propulsion.
  1. Electric Propulsion: Unlike traditional aircraft that rely on combustion engines, eVTOLs use electric motors. This results in much quieter operation, lower emissions, and reduced operating costs.
  2. Vertical Take-Off and Landing: eVTOLs can take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for long runways. This makes them ideal for urban and mountainous environments where space is limited and traditional airports are not feasible.
  3. Advanced Aerodynamics: Many eVTOL designs incorporate cutting-edge aerodynamics, such as distributed electric propulsion and tilt-rotor mechanisms, to enhance efficiency and performance over a range of distances.
Key Features

Where to use eVTOL

Examples work better than a thousand words. Here are some popular daily travel routes which illustrate eVTOL ability to significantly improve time efficiency:

By utilizing eVTOL technology, we can offer a dramatic reduction in travel times, making regional travel more efficient, convenient, and sustainable.

Why medium-range transfers with helicopters are not popular among business travelers in Switzerland?
Medium-range helicopter transfers have not gained popularity among business travelers in Switzerland primarily due to pollution concerns, which can be categorized into three main areas:

  1. CO2 Emissions: Helicopters burn fossil fuels, leading to significant carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change.
  2. Noise Pollution: Helicopters are notoriously loud, creating noise pollution that can make certain routes impractical due to the need to respect the peace of local communities.
  3. Physical Disturbance: The strong airflow generated during helicopter take-offs and landings can cause substantial physical disturbances, affecting both people and the environment in the vicinity.
The Advantages of eVTOL
By adopting eVTOL technology, we can effectively mitigate all three types of pollution associated with helicopters:

  1. Zero CO2 Emissions: eVTOL jets are fully electric, eliminating the need for gas fuel and thereby producing no CO2 emissions.
  2. Significantly Reduced Noise: eVTOL aircraft are 95% quieter than helicopters. They provide an experience comparable to electric cars, thanks to the use of electric motors and small propellers.
  3. Minimal Physical Disturbance: Smaller propellers with programmable, regulated speeds produce only the necessary and localized force for take-offs and landings, resulting in minimal physical disturbance around the aircraft.
Reduced Indirect Emissions
Beyond the direct emissions, eVTOLs also significantly reduce indirect emissions related to manufacturing and operations compared to helicopters:

  1. Fewer Mechanical Parts: eVTOLs have 80% fewer mechanical parts, which dramatically reduces direct production emissions.
  2. Lower Maintenance Requirements: The reduced complexity of eVTOLs means they require less maintenance, contributing to lower emissions.
  3. Simpler Operational Requirements: eVTOLs have lower operational costs and emissions due to simpler take-off and landing requirements, which also translates to reduced infrastructure demands.
Enhanced Safety
eVTOLs are also safer compared to helicopters due to their design features:

  1. Multiple Motors: eVTOL jets currently under development have a minimum of 8 and up to 30 smaller motors. This redundancy means that losing one or even two motors due to an accident or failure will not result in a crash.
  2. Redundant Power Systems: eVTOLs are equipped with at least two batteries, further enhancing their safety and reliability.
  3. By addressing the major concerns associated with helicopter travel and offering significant environmental and safety benefits, eVTOLs present a compelling alternative for medium-range transfers in Switzerland and beyond.

Launching Operations

We are continuously engaged in close contact with several eVTOL manufacturers, including leading companies based in Europe. These manufacturers have already begun their certification processes in the USA, Europe, and some Gulf countries. The certification process is complex and lengthy, as it directly impacts the safety of passengers and operations.
Based on current projections, we plan to receive the delivery of our eVTOL jets in 2026 and commence operations in early 2027. In the interim, our team will diligently work on several critical aspects to ensure a smooth launch:
  1. User-Friendly Interfaces: We are committed to developing the most user-friendly web and mobile application interfaces. This will enhance the customer experience, making booking and managing flights as seamless as possible.
  2. Infrastructure Preparation: We will be preparing the necessary infrastructure to support eVTOL operations, including vertiports and charging stations. This preparation is crucial to ensure efficient and reliable service.
  3. Local Authorities Authorizations: Collaborating with local authorities to obtain the required authorizations is a top priority. This includes working on flight routes, noise regulations, and other regulatory compliance matters to ensure our operations are fully sanctioned and safe.
  4. By focusing on these areas, we aim to establish a robust foundation for our eVTOL operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction from day one.
Contacts
Satu Aviation AG
info@satu-aviation.ch
Baselstrasse 8
4532 Feldbrunnen
Switzerland


UID: CHE-443.270.521
Rechtsform: Aktiengesellschaft
Branche: Personen- und Güterbeförderung (Luft- und Raumfahrt)