One week after announcing the launch of eVolare, the newest addition to the Volare family and a groundbreaking step towards a more sustainable future; we sat down with founder and Chairman Dustin Dryden to discuss this exciting new chapter for both the company and wider aviation industry.
What Does the Lilium Partnership mean to Volare and their customers?
This partnership is extremely important, it marks a moment in history. Like with any major technological advancement, there is always an element of buzz, speculation and even scepticism from some. But, if we don’t continue to push boundaries, to challenge the current status quo we will never progress.
As the sole UK distributors of the first eVTOL jet, we provide an incredibly rare opportunity to new and existing customers, to be one of the world’s first owners of a hugely progressive and market leading asset. As a business, it positions us as industry leaders, and for owners it positions them as pioneers. Aviation has alway been a progressive industry, pushing boundaries and achieving things that people thought could never be done, this move is a continuation of this mentality, enabling us to future proof the travel sector for the next generation.
Why the move into the eVTOL market?
For me it was an absolute “no-brainer” in that it is an investment in the future. Not only the future of Volare and the growth of our business, but also the future of air travel. I have no doubt that in the not too distant future all means of travel will be electric, it’s the way the world is going. The entrepreneur in me had to be at the forefront of this move.
We are fortunate enough to have forged great relationships with our owners and clients, so it’s wonderful to be able to offer them a sustainable, progressive product so they can actively “get ahead of the game”.
What sort of person will be attracted to the Lilium Jet? What are its benefits?
It is no secret that our customers do not represent your average individual, they have the means to be able to afford a certain lifestyle and certain luxuries, private air travel being just one of them. But more than that, they are united by a certain mentality. They are at the forefront of industry – early adopters, disruptive entrepreneurs. They want to invest in an asset that is groundbreaking but, more so than ever, they want their actions to be responsible. They recognise that they are not travelling in the most sustainable way at this moment in time, because to date there has been no product available that can facilitate that. The Lilium Jet allows them to have something to aim for a better future.
The Pioneer Edition Jet provides an attractive proposition for a whole host of individuals. Helicopter owners, who favour ease and time efficiency; jet owners, who love comfort and stylish design; as well as new customers who will enter the market through this product – attracted to the technology and what it represents. It’s called the Pioneer Jet for a reason, it’s created for visionaries, and pioneers of industry.
What is the environmental impact of the product?
The largest benefit to the Lilium Jet is that it gives off zero operating emissions. That in itself is a huge breakthrough. It’s unique design and engine gives it aerodynamic efficiency, so it’s incredibly convenient and time-saving. It has a lower noise profile, meaning significantly reduced noise pollution, enabling increased access to former “no go” urban areas.
How do you think the product will be received in the UK market?
Everyone in our own network who has heard about this partnership is super excited and positive about what this move means. The UK itself is in a period of change, where culturally we are becoming more committed to being environmentally conscious and living in more sustainable ways. As a nation we are so much more responsible in our consumer habits; to be environmentally conscious is no longer a niche mentality reserved to the elite or the “eco-warriors” amongst us. It has infiltrated mainstream culture in the most positive of ways.
Ultimately, if market leaders and early-adopters are taking this product – it will inevitably filter down to the mass market, so that eventually it will be the way we all travel. That is our aim, that is the future.
As a business owner, what motivates you to keep pushing the industry forward?
Volare has seen huge growth over the past 24 months, and we know that the only way to secure continual and sustainable growth is to think long term rather than chasing quick wins. eVolare has been created to keep that momentum going and ensure that we are constantly striving to be at the forefront of the industry. As an entrepreneur I am always looking for that next big thing that will disrupt the market and not only move our business forward, but advance the aviation sector. It’s a thrilling opportunity and we are immensely proud to be able to introduce this product into the UK.
