CTO,
Volocopter

Dr. David Bausek is the visionary Chief Technology Officer & Co‑Founder at Volocopter, leading the technical transformation of urban air mobility with scalable, certifiable eVTOL systems.

With roots in Diamond Aircraft as a manufacturing engineer and designer, David brings over 20 years of experience in aerospace development, systems integration, and aircraft design.Under his leadership, Volocopter is advancing multiple eVTOL platforms toward certification and commercial service.

David is playing a critical role in forging strategic partnerships to support operational readiness. In 2025, he helped lead an MoU with Euro Flight Test to establish what is being billed as “the world’s first eVTOL training courses,” spanning simulation, flight testing, familiarisation, and modular pilot curricula. He also spearheads efforts to align Volocopter’s engineering roadmap with Diamond’s production expertise, ensuring the company can scale manufacturing and certification with credibility.

Chief Commercial Officer, Europe & LatAm, EHang
Scaling Autonomous Aerial Mobility Across Continents

Nacho Rexach brings unmatched expertise in international aerospace strategy and commercial leadership to the eVTOL SHOW EUROPE, representing EHang—a global pioneer in autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) technology and the world’s most advanced eVTOL platform developer.

With nearly two decades of senior experience at Airbus and now leading EHang’s commercial strategy across Europe and Latin America, Nacho is playing a central role in shaping how autonomous air mobility will be integrated into global transportation systems. His leadership spans regulatory advocacy, public-private partnerships, infrastructure collaboration, and commercialization of eVTOL passenger and logistics services.

At EHang, Nacho is responsible for launching market-ready autonomous flight networks that redefine urban connectivity. His involvement in securing strategic alliances, engaging with aviation authorities, and expanding market penetration makes him a pivotal figure in moving eVTOL from vision to reality.

At eVTOL SHOW EUROPE, Nacho will share his insights into:

• The real-world deployment of autonomous, electric air taxis
  

• Regulatory progress and certification pathways in Europe
  

• Building scalable vertiport and city-level operations
  

• EHang’s roadmap toward safe, sustainable urban air mobility
  

With a unique blend of technical background and commercial foresight, Nacho offers delegates a front-row view of how EHang is making pilotless, zero-emission air mobility both possible and profitable.

Founder & CEO, Zuri
Tech Entrepreneur | Hybrid VTOL Innovator | Investor

Blending engineering ambition with entrepreneurial vision, Michal Illich is reimagining regional air mobility through hybrid VTOL innovation. As Founder and CEO of Zuri, Michal is leading the Czech-based startup’s mission to unlock mid-range, on-demand flight with a platform that combines the flexibility of vertical takeoff with the extended range of hybrid-electric propulsion.

Unlike traditional eVTOL aircraft, Zuri’s hybrid VTOL design aims to deliver up to 7x the range—eliminating the infrastructure constraints of short-hop air taxis and enabling direct, point-to-point connectivity between cities, suburbs, and remote regions. With a background in software development, investment, and multiple startup successes, Michal brings a multidisciplinary approach to aviation—balancing cutting-edge propulsion with an obsessive focus on passenger comfort, safety, and real-world practicality.

At the eVTOL SHOW EUROPE, Michal will explore:

• Why hybrid propulsion may be the key to unlocking commercially viable VTOL networks
  

• Lessons from building Zuri’s full-scale demonstrator and testing campaign
  

• How design simplicity, safety, and energy density can coexist in VTOL architecture
  

• Future use cases for mid-range aircraft beyond urban air mobility
  

With bold goals and tangible progress, Michal Illich brings the founder’s mindset to the eVTOL landscape—offering attendees an unfiltered look at what it takes to go from concept to prototype in one of aviation’s most promising frontiers.

Executive Vice President & Chief Transformation Officer, Bristow Group
Former COO, Bristow | Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps | Fellow, Royal Aeronautical Society

David Stepanek is a transformative force in global vertical aviation, leading Bristow Group’s strategic entry into the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) space. As Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, David is responsible for forging Bristow’s role as a launch operator for eVTOL, eSTOL, and UAS platforms—leveraging the company’s 75-year legacy in vertical lift operations and safety management.

Under David’s leadership, Bristow has formed partnerships with multiple next-generation aircraft OEMs and developed new operational models to support regional AAM deployment in both cargo and passenger transport. His expertise spans commercial and government operations, cross-border air carrier launches, and over $1 billion in aircraft sales during his tenure at Sikorsky. David also brings extensive experience in M&A integration, having led global operations and post-merger consolidation at both Bristow and PHI Aviation.

At the eVTOL SHOW EUROPE, David will provide executive-level insight into:

• Bridging traditional rotorcraft operations with the operationalization of eVTOL and hybrid-electric aircraft
  

• Building trusted operator-OEM partnerships for launch-phase certification, training, and MRO
  

• Lessons learned from real-world vertical lift operations across global offshore, SAR, and defense markets
  

• Navigating the regulatory, logistical, and commercial realities of large-scale AAM rollout
  

As a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and respected voice in the industry, David Stepanek’s perspective is essential for OEMs, operators, infrastructure stakeholders, and regulators charting a viable path from innovation to implementation in the eVTOL sector.

Founder & CTO,
AIR

Chen Rosen is a visionary aerospace technologist and electric aviation leader driving the future of personal air mobility as Chief Technology Officer at AIR. With a robust background in UAV systems, aeronautical engineering, and autonomous flight, Chen leads the development of AIR’s groundbreaking eVTOL aircraft designed for private ownership and everyday use.

At AIR, Chen spearheads the design, engineering, and testing of the AIR ONE—an all-electric, winged eVTOL aircraft that blends automotive-grade simplicity with aviation-grade safety. His work focuses on creating a highly accessible flying experience through intuitive controls, lightweight structures, and robust flight automation systems.

Chen brings over 20 years of experience in multidisciplinary aerospace projects, with deep expertise in propulsion integration, flight dynamics, and vehicle autonomy. His leadership is central to AIR’s mission of democratizing flight and enabling a new era of personal transportation powered by clean, electric vertical lift.

Executive Director, EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency

Luc Tytgat is the seasoned regulator behind Europe’s modern aviation rule-making—former Acting Executive Director (2023–2024) and longtime Director of Strategy & Safety Management at EASA. During his tenure he steered safety intelligence, agile regulation and the transition toward new entrants such as drones and eVTOL, ensuring continuity between leadership eras and laying groundwork for data-driven oversight.

A veteran of EUROCONTROL, the European Commission, and the Belgian Air Force, Luc combines policy depth with operational pragmatism. Before joining EASA in 2015, he directed EUROCONTROL’s Pan-European Single Sky Directorate after two decades shaping EU air transport and space policy—experience that informs his systems-level view of safety, capacity, and innovation.

As Acting Executive Director, he championed initiatives to make EASA “fit for the digital age,” calling for stronger safety-data programs and smarter resourcing to manage systemic risks across an increasingly complex ecosystem. His public interventions underscored the importance of analytics (e.g., Data4Safety) and collaborative rule-making to keep pace with technological change.

Sales Director, Ascendance Flight Technologies
Former Head of Propulsion Strategy & Services, Airbus | Founder, Cloud9tribe

Xavier Burgat brings over 25 years of aviation industry leadership to the forefront of sustainable air mobility. Now serving as Sales Director at Ascendance Flight Technologies, Xavier is driving the market adoption of ATEA, a next-generation hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft designed to redefine regional and utility air transport with reduced emissions, noise, and infrastructure dependency.

A former senior executive at Airbus, Xavier has led global strategy, product marketing, and service innovation across propulsion systems and airline solutions. He combines a deep understanding of commercial aviation with a passion for disruptive technologies and value-based customer engagement. 

At the eVTOL SHOW EUROPE, Xavier will provide critical insights into:

• Commercializing hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft in a competitive regulatory and operational landscape
  

• Building market demand for sustainable regional air mobility
  

• Aligning customer needs, aircraft performance, and infrastructure readiness
  

• How Ascendance’s STERNA Hybrid Pack enables longer-range, multi-mission VTOL capabilities

With a powerful blend of OEM expertise and startup agility, Xavier Burgat offers a commercially grounded perspective on how hybrid-electric propulsion can unlock scalable, real-world deployment for eVTOL platforms across Europe and beyond.

Founder & CEO,
APELEON

Andreas Fürlinger is the bold mind behind APELEON, an Austrian venture reimagining regional logistics with infrastructure-light, electric VTOL cargo aircraft. As Founder & CEO, he leads the company’s mission to merge the cruise efficiency of an airplane with the vertical agility of a helicopter—delivering zero-emission, low-operating-cost aircraft designed to reach remote areas without massive ground build-out.

Under Andreas’s leadership, APELEON is commercialising the SCALAR—a lightweight (~50 kg) all-electric VTOL drone engineered for time-critical deliveries such as medical samples and humanitarian logistics, with a target payload of up to 10 kg and speeds of ~100 km/h. The platform reflects APELEON’s practical, step-by-step path from scaled demonstrators to deployable aircraft.

An aerospace engineer and licensed commercial pilot, Andreas brings hands-on flight and systems experience to product decisions. Earlier, he contributed to the Solar Impulse round-the-world effort promoting clean technologies—an experience that continues to shape APELEON’s sustainability-first approach to air transport.

Applications Engineering Manager, NeoGraf Solutions
Expert in Thermal Management & Battery Safety for Electric Aviation

Bret Trimmer brings over a decade of experience tackling one of electric aviation’s most pressing challenges: thermal management. As Applications Engineering Manager at NeoGraf Solutions, Bret is at the forefront of graphite-based solutions designed to make eVTOL battery systems lighter, safer, and more energy-dense.

With a background in chemical engineering and an MBA, Bret’s career spans 30+ years of product innovation, including work across semiconductors, consumer electronics, marine electrification, and now, advanced air mobility (AAM). His focus on thermal runaway prevention, fast charging, and extending range per charge has made him a key collaborator with leading developers of electric aircraft, drones, and eVTOL platforms.

At eVTOL SHOW EUROPE, Bret will draw on his deep technical and commercial knowledge to:

• Explore how thermal interface materials and graphite-based innovations can future-proof eVTOL power systems
  

• Highlight failure scenarios and real-world testing requirements to meet aviation-grade safety thresholds
  

• Share practical case studies from marine and EV applications transitioning into AAM use cases

With five patents and extensive international deployment experience, Bret brings a wealth of insight into how thermal technologies will define the performance and certification success of tomorrow’s eVTOL platforms.

Sales Development Manager – Aerospace & Defense & Automotive, GRAS Sound & Vibration

Lars G. Winberg is the driving force behind GRAS Sound & Vibration’s push into advanced air mobility—an Aerospace, Defense & Automotive specialist who helps eVTOL developers tame noise, prove comfort, and meet emerging standards with aerospace-grade microphones, arrays, and KEMAR head-and-torso simulators. As Sales Development Manager at GRAS (part of Axiometrix Solutions), he works with OEMs and research teams to turn precise acoustic data into quieter aircraft and community-friendly operations.

With 25+ years in acoustics and vibration, Lars is a recognized expert in in-flight and acoustic-load measurement for aerospace and defense. He bridges lab and field—supporting programs from wind-tunnel rotor studies to real-world eVTOL and NASA test campaigns—always focused on sensor selection, ruggedization, and repeatable results under MIL-STD-810 conditions.

A practical evangelist for “fit-for-purpose” measurement, he publishes guidance on when to customize versus deploy off-the-shelf solutions and how to future-proof test rigs as propulsion and cabin concepts evolve. His work at GRAS spans production-line QA microphones to array/beamforming and KEMAR-based cabin sound-quality evaluations—tooling that underpins credible aeroacoustic design for AAM.

Senior Security Expert,
ITK Engineering

Dr. Jürgen Dürrwang is the seasoned cybersecurity mind at ITK Engineering, where he serves as a senior security expert leading penetration testing and red-team strategies for safety-critical, embedded systems. A frequent speaker at industry forums—from AIRTEC to The eVTOL Show—he champions pragmatic, evidence-driven security testing for next-gen aviation.

With a doctorate focused on vehicle information security, Jürgen’s research uncovered a vulnerability in airbag systems and helped shape methodologies that blend threat analysis with hands-on pentesting. Before joining ITK, he worked in applied research at Fraunhofer IOSB and the Hochschule Karlsruhe; his doctoral work was conducted at TUM. Today, he applies those lessons to type-approval-oriented testing (e.g., UNECE R155 in automotive) and certification-aware security engineering.

Jürgen’s philosophy: cybersecurity is non-negotiable and must be integrated throughout development. His interviews and conference talks emphasize combining risk analysis with iterative pentesting to meet evolving regulatory expectations (including NIS2) across domains—from medical devices to aviation.

Senior Expert,
ITK Engineering GmbH

Tobias Domke is the hands-on Senior Expert for Simulation & Virtualization at ITK Engineering, where he accelerates development of safety-critical embedded systems with digital twins, virtual ECUs (vECUs), and software-in-the-loop (SiL) workflows. His work turns complex hardware-dependent testing into scalable, software-driven validation—shortening cycles while improving traceability and model credibility.

A published practitioner, Tobias authored “Accelerated Simulations Using FPGA and FMI Technology” (ATZelectronics worldwide, 2025) and co-authored “Efficiency Gains for the Software-Defined Vehicle through Continuous Development and Virtualization” (ATZ, 2025). He has also presented “Leveraging FPGA Technology for Virtual Test Environments” through VDI, highlighting how reconfigurable computing boosts real-time simulation performance for verification at scale.

Tobias regularly shares his methods with industry: at SIMVEC 2024 he spoke on accelerated simulation using FPGA + FMI, and in 2025 he contributed talks at Synopsys’ Automotive Prototyping Day on AI-boosted testing and high-speed virtual validation.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Omni Helicopters International

Jeremy Akel is the seasoned strategist behind Omni Helicopters International (OHI), where—as Group CEO—he is building a low-altitude mobility platform that spans offshore helicopter services, unmanned logistics, and near-term eVTOL operations. Under his leadership, OHI and its São Paulo-based spin-off Revo have moved from simulation to market commitments, including a binding framework agreement for up to 50 Eve eVTOLs to launch air-taxi services in Brazil.

With 30+ years in air mobility, Jeremy joined OHI in 2019 after serving as COO at Bristow Group and EVP at Milestone Aviation—experience that blends frontline operations with asset-finance savvy. He began his career as an accident investigator at the U.S. NTSB, which anchors his safety-first approach to innovation and growth.

Jeremy’s execution playbook is pragmatic and data-driven: OHI has diversified into Omni Unmanned for UAV missions and is running air-taxi trials in São Paulo to validate the eVTOL business case ahead of Revo’s planned 2027–2029 service window with Eve. Recent updates from OHI and industry coverage highlight this phased path from trials to scale.

General Manager,
Bosch Aviation Technology

Christian Grim is the engineering driver behind Bosch Aviation Technology, serving as General Manager of Bosch General Aviation Technology GmbH and a board member of Bosch Aviation Technology LLC (U.S.). He leads Bosch’s push to transfer proven automotive know-how into aviation—spanning powertrain, sensing, and manufacturing—to accelerate sustainable flight. Most recently, his team unveiled a hydrogen-converted Rotax 916 concept engine, demonstrating a pragmatic path to climate-friendly propulsion for light aircraft.

With 15+ years across aviation and automotive, Christian built deep expertise in quality and certification with roles at MTU Aero Engines, Diamond Aircraft, and Austro Engine before returning to Bosch’s aviation arm to lead it from Vienna. His background couples production/process management (FH Wiener Neustadt) with hands-on program leadership across small and large GA/commercial environments.

Christian’s philosophy is to scale e-aviation by adapting certified, industrialized tech rather than reinventing it—bringing EN9100 discipline, automotive-grade components (e.g., SiC power electronics), and volume manufacturing practices into airworthy products and services. It’s an approach Bosch has applied for more than 15 years in aviation, leveraging cross-industry synergies to speed the transition to zero-emission mobility.

Chief Technology Officer,
Intelligent Energy

Dr. Chris Dudfield is the technology engine behind Intelligent Energy, where—as Chief Technology Officer—he is advancing aviation-grade hydrogen fuel-cell systems from drones to crewed aircraft. Under his leadership, the company’s IE-FLIGHT™ platform targets high power density for aircraft, while IE-SOAR™ modules extend endurance for UAV missions—bringing zero-emission propulsion closer to everyday operations.

A fuel-cell specialist since 1990, Chris joined Intelligent Energy at its launch in 2001 and has held roles spanning R&D, operations, and programme leadership. He earned his PhD at Loughborough University and has led work across stack design, fuel processing, and full systems—experience that now anchors the company’s aviation push.

Chris’s recent focus includes unveiling IE-FLIGHT at Farnborough 2024—an architecture designed for higher-temperature operation and direct-water-injection cooling to shrink thermal systems—and scaling IE-SOAR modules (800 W–2.4 kW+) that have demonstrated long-range, BVLOS-ready drone operations with partners. He also contributes to UK efforts defining hydrogen aviation standards alongside the CAA.

Senior Scientific Advisor for Commercialization & Cell Development, NEO Battery Materials

Dr. Jun Sik Jeoung is the commercialization catalyst behind NEO Battery Materials’ silicon-anode platform, serving as Senior Scientific Advisor for Commercialization & Cell Development (and subsequently SVP, Cell Development & Commercialization). A former Samsung SDI large-scale cell lead, he’s focused on taking NEO’s lab-proven silicon materials into production-grade EV, UAV, and eVTOL cells—bridging advanced chemistry with manufacturable designs.

With a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering (University of Arizona) and 17+ years across top battery and automotive manufacturers, Jun Sik has delivered at scale—from designing and industrializing 21700, prismatic, and pouch formats to leading Samsung’s development of BMW i3 94 Ah automotive cells. Before advising NEO, he was VP of R&D at EoCell in Silicon Valley, honing silicon-rich anode systems for high-duty cycles.

His approach is relentlessly evidence-based: under his guidance, NEO disclosed long-term results for its P-300N silicon battery (≥ 90% capacity retention at 300 cycles in full cell) and outlined routes to commercial-standard performance (≈ 1,000 cycles at 80% retention) in large-format cells—key thresholds for aviation-grade reliability. Following these milestones, he committed full-time to lead NEO’s scale-up as SVP, Commercialization & Cell Development.

MRAeS, Senior Vertiport Planner,
Skyports Infrastructure

Veronica Reczek MRAeS is a hands-on Senior Vertiport Planner at Skyports Infrastructure, turning concepts into operational vertiports by knitting together site selection, layout design, stakeholder coordination, and fast-time simulation. Her work sits at the heart of Skyports’ mission to deliver airport-grade infrastructure for near-term eVTOL services in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

With a planner’s eye and an engineer’s pragmatism, Veronica has supported international rollouts—including projects across Japan—while championing the use of airport-style fast-time simulations to de-risk operations, validate throughput, and shape procedures from day one. She engages closely with operators, regulators, and local authorities to balance community impact, safety, and commercial viability as this new class of infrastructure comes to life.

Global Segment Manager, Aircraft & Wind Blade Lightning Strike Protection, PPG

David Best is the commercial-technical force behind PPG’s aerospace growth, serving as Global Segment Manager for Aircraft & Wind Blade Lightning Strike Protection. A long-time PPG leader, he helps OEMs and operators harden composite airframes with certifiable protection systems and coatings, translating materials science into safer, lighter, and more sustainable fleets across advanced air mobility and conventional aviation.

With a career rooted in aerospace coatings and sealants—from site leadership at PPG’s Shildon Application Support Center to global segment strategy—David has driven industry transitions such as chrome-free sealants and heritage-aircraft restorations that double as training grounds for engineers. His work bridges product qualification, supply continuity, and on-wing support for programs operating in harsh environments.

Recently appointed a director of PPG Industries (UK) Ltd, David couples hands-on customer engagement with governance responsibilities—aligning market needs with PPG’s European manufacturing and quality systems. This mix of shop-floor pragmatism and board-level accountability shapes his approach to scaling new materials and protection systems for composite-rich aircraft.

Chief Technology Officer,
Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS

Dr. Klaus Schneider is the engineering force behind Liebherr’s next wave of flight-control innovation—Chief Technology Officer at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS, the divisional company steering the Group’s aerospace and rail activities. From Toulouse and Lindenberg, he guides technology strategy for a business that invests ~15% of its turnover in R&D, translating Liebherr’s systems heritage into certifiable, next-gen platforms for commercial and advanced air mobility.

A champion of pragmatic, modular design, Klaus has led programs that anchor real-world deployment: Airbus’s next-generation flight control computers; electromechanical actuators for Eve Air Mobility’s eVTOL; and a strategic actuation partnership with Wisk for its Generation 6 aircraft. His remit also spans cross-industry decarbonisation—exemplified by Liebherr’s high-speed compressor collaboration with ZF—while industry recognition includes Embraer’s 2024 Best Supplier Award.

Klaus’s leadership blends systems safety, certification realism, and scalable architecture. He advocates versatile, modular actuation concepts that shorten time-to-evidence for new aircraft classes, and he actively engages Europe’s innovation ecosystem—from BDLI committees to keynote talks at Bauhaus Luftfahrt—keeping Liebherr’s roadmap aligned with long-term industry needs.

Co-founder & CCO,
Ascendance

Thibault Baldivia is the commercial heartbeat behind Ascendance Flight Technologies, co-founder and CCO (Chief Customer Officer) of the Toulouse-based pioneer developing ATEA, a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft powered by the company’s STERNA Hybrid Pack. He champions practical decarbonisation—pairing vertical access with regional reach through hybrid-electric propulsion that reduces emissions without sacrificing range or resilience.

An aerospace engineer by training, Thibault began his career at Airbus on early hybridisation programmes spanning UAVs, rotorcraft, and regional aircraft before moving to the E-FAN project—one of the world’s first all-electric aircraft—where he led development of the central ECU and oversaw electric-propulsion system architecture. That blend of hands-on engineering and market focus now anchors Ascendance’s product and partnership strategy.

Thibault’s recent work has centred on taking ATEA from concept to flight-ready hardware while opening STERNA to partners across aviation. Public updates point to the first full-scale ATEA prototype completing assembly with a maiden flight targeted in 2026, alongside momentum from European programmes and industry collaborations that broaden STERNA’s footprint beyond VTOL.

Accountable Manager EASA Part 21G & Part 145, AEE

Lukas Hamm-Riff is the quality-driven Accountable Manager (EASA Part 21G & Part 145) at AEE – Aircraft Electronic Engineering GmbH, where he oversees certified production and maintenance of avionics for mission-critical rotary- and fixed-wing platforms. Recently stepping up as Co-CEO, he helps steer AEE’s scale-up while keeping its approvals and processes rock-solid.

With a mandate that bridges compliance and commercialization, Lukas has helped secure and deliver flagship programmes: AEE’s series production of mission computers for Airbus Helicopters H145/H145M, and a new partnership with GA-ATS on Do228 NXT avionics (engine interface unit and EIU), each executed under Part 21G production and Part 145 maintenance frameworks. He also co-signed AEE’s long-term extension with Airbus Helicopters through 2036, underscoring customer trust in the company’s technology and quality systems.

Lukas’s approach blends certification realism, supplier discipline, and manufacturability—turning design intent into auditable hardware with full traceability, Form 1 release, and repeatable test evidence. As AEE expands, he focuses on the structures and people that keep velocity and compliance in balance.

CEO & Co-Founder,
Odys Aviation

James Dorris is the bold visionary behind Odys Aviation, a company reimagining regional air mobility with long-range, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft. As Co-Founder and CEO, James is redefining what’s possible through a flap-based thrust-vectoring architecture designed for simpler certification and real-world VTOL performance—now progressing toward operational pilots in the Middle East.

With a career spanning frontier transportation and advanced prototyping, James co-founded Odys in 2019 after leadership roles at Google X, Virgin Hyperloop One, and Arrivo. His remit blends systems thinking with go-to-market execution—steering Odys from concept to funded flight-test and operational launch programs.

James is a firm believer in pragmatic decarbonisation. Odys’ aircraft roadmap targets all-electric segments of roughly 320 km and hybrid-electric missions beyond 1,200 km, marrying range and payload with meaningful emissions cuts—an approach reflected in the company’s UAE expansion plans. Recent milestones include closing a $26M Series A to accelerate U.S. flight testing and early customer operations.

Co-Founder, CEO & CTO,
MANTA Aircraft

Lucas Marchesini is the driving force behind MANTA Aircraft, a company redefining regional air mobility with a family of hybrid-electric vertical/short take-off and landing (HeV/STOL) aircraft—the ANN series—combining VTOL agility with short-runway efficiency and airplane-like cruise performance. As Co-Founder, CEO & CTO, Lucas is building practical, long-range platforms purpose-built for real missions beyond city hops.

An aeronautical engineer with an MBA, Lucas earned his master’s from Politecnico di Milano and MBA from SDA Bocconi. A competition glider and VLA pilot, he has lived aviation both professionally and in the cockpit—the first light aircraft he designed was built before he even graduated. This blend of hands-on flying and engineering rigour shapes MANTA’s approach from concept to certification.

Lucas is a pragmatic advocate for hybridisation: until batteries reach the energy and power density needed for true regional missions, hybrid-electric is the credible path to range, payload, and turnaround performance. That philosophy underpins ANN2 (two-seat) and its larger stablemates, targeting ~600 km range and ~300 km/h cruise to open new use cases in emergency response, utility, and business travel.

eVTOL Business Development & Public Affairs, SkyDrive

Rohit Wariyar is the energetic eVTOL Business Development & Public Affairs lead at SkyDrive, the Japanese manufacturer bringing compact, practical air mobility to real markets across Asia and the Middle East. He helps shape partnerships, policy engagement, and early-route deployment for SkyDrive’s first commercial services—including high-visibility initiatives in the UAE.

With 17+ years in commercial aviation and a decade living and working across Asia (China, Indonesia, Malaysia), Rohit moved to Europe and into advanced air mobility in 2022. He holds both an MBA and an MEng from Washington University in St. Louis, combining business strategy with engineering depth. Prior to SkyDrive, he worked in public affairs and market development roles in AAM, contributing to industry dialogues on certification, infrastructure, and early operations.

Rohit’s philosophy is deployment first, credibility always: start with use-cases that create public value and trust—tourism, EMS, and airport transfers—then expand as regulation, infrastructure, and customer familiarity mature. That pragmatic stance aligns with SkyDrive’s stepwise market entries and government partnerships in the Gulf.

Founder and CEO, SkyFly

Michael Thompson is the bold visionary behind Skyfly Technologies, creator of the AXE—a two-seat, personal electric VTOL designed to make everyday flying practical, certifiable, and fun. As Founder & CEO, Michael is steering AXE from concept to full-scale flight with a step-by-step test program that prioritizes safety, simplicity, and real customer use—bridging the gap between futuristic renderings and aircraft people can actually fly.

A lifelong aviator and experienced helicopter pilot, Michael previously built one of the UK’s leading commercial drone companies, bringing hands-on operations, systems thinking, and business discipline to Skyfly’s development path. Under his leadership, Skyfly has progressed to piloted forward-flight testing, received CAA clearance to commence transition testing, and secured an FAA experimental permit for U.S. flight trials—while opening a £5M Series A to scale manufacturing and customer support.

Michael’s approach blends engineering realism with market pull: showcase the aircraft in front of real pilots, iterate rapidly, and build the ecosystem—from training (including a new VR motion simulator validated against Skyfly’s HIL stack) to public demos at major airshows—to accelerate adoption.