Switzerland-based eVTOL developer Dufour Aerospace has completed a second round of funding, including an investment from private aviation company Vista Global.
Dufour, which was founded in 2017 is developing the Aero3, a hybrid-electric tilt-wing eVTOL, which will use either a conventional turbine or fuel cells to extend its range. The company is also developing the Aero2, a drone based on the same tilt-wing principle.
The Aero3 uses six main propellers and two tail propellers and will be able to carry up to eight people up to 1,000km (620 miles) with a cruising speed of 350km/h (220mph). Aero3 is aimed at emergency medical transport and commercial passenger markets.
The Aero2 is a cargo drone able to carry up to 40kg of payload up to 400km (250 miles) also aimed at the medical transport market.
Vista Global is a major private aviation services and charter company run out of Dubai. In addition to Vista, the existing investors and two new investors participated in the funding round.
Vista will also provide support to help expand the potential of Dufour’s tilt-wing technologies and aircraft.
Thomas Pfammatter, CEO of Dufour Aerospace said, “We are delighted this financing round was led by Vista, an esteemed global leader in private aviation. Their investment is an important milestone in our journey. They recognize the importance of developing successful products and solutions to support the future of hybrid-electric tilt-wing aircraft.”
Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman of Vista said, “We are looking forward to supporting the team at Dufour in advancing their sustainable aviation solutions with huge potential to supplement Vista’s global service network in the future.
“It is an exciting time for Dufour, and this investment is in line with our strategy of supporting environmental air mobility solutions which further reiterates our commitment to ensuring a greener future for our industry.”
