In this episode, Igor introduces the Los Angeles-based manufacturer behind the world’s first rigid electric variable-buoyancy airship (EVBA).
With more than two decades of development and FAA certification experience, Aeros is now pushing toward commercial deployment of a logistics platform that can pick up and deliver cargo anywhere, without the need for roads, ports, runways, or other fixed infrastructure.
Igor shares the origins of Aeros’ mission to “save the world” by reimagining global logistics and explains how the company’s patented buoyancy-control system solves the century-old problem that prevented airships from becoming practical cargo solutions.
He walks listeners through the engineering breakthroughs behind variable buoyancy, hybrid-electric propulsion, and the lightweight pressure-vessel structures that make the airships commercially viable.
The discussion also explores how Aeros plans to transform the last-mile, middle-mile, and first-mile logistics ecosystem through three vehicle classes, ranging from a 10-ton urban airship supporting drone-based deliveries to a 244-ton intercontinental heavy-lift platform.
Igor also outlines upcoming R&D milestones, including urban demonstrations in Los Angeles, and explains how the company is preparing its next-generation airships for FAA certification from day one.
All content for The eVTOL Insights Podcast is the property of The eVTOL Insights Podcast and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
In this episode, Igor introduces the Los Angeles-based manufacturer behind the world’s first rigid electric variable-buoyancy airship (EVBA).
With more than two decades of development and FAA certification experience, Aeros is now pushing toward commercial deployment of a logistics platform that can pick up and deliver cargo anywhere, without the need for roads, ports, runways, or other fixed infrastructure.
Igor shares the origins of Aeros’ mission to “save the world” by reimagining global logistics and explains how the company’s patented buoyancy-control system solves the century-old problem that prevented airships from becoming practical cargo solutions.
He walks listeners through the engineering breakthroughs behind variable buoyancy, hybrid-electric propulsion, and the lightweight pressure-vessel structures that make the airships commercially viable.
The discussion also explores how Aeros plans to transform the last-mile, middle-mile, and first-mile logistics ecosystem through three vehicle classes, ranging from a 10-ton urban airship supporting drone-based deliveries to a 244-ton intercontinental heavy-lift platform.
Igor also outlines upcoming R&D milestones, including urban demonstrations in Los Angeles, and explains how the company is preparing its next-generation airships for FAA certification from day one.
Episode 192: Jakob Saalfrank, Founder and CEO of Grasshopper Air Mobility
The eVTOL Insights Podcast
44 minutes 42 seconds
1 month ago
Episode 192: Jakob Saalfrank, Founder and CEO of Grasshopper Air Mobility
In this episode, Jakob shares his journey from working in logistics and warehouse automation to founding Grasshopper Air Mobility in 2023, driven by a vision for sustainable, autonomous aerial mobility.
Initially inspired by flying cars for commuters, he and his team pivoted to cargo operations after recognizing the steep certification costs and barriers facing passenger eVTOLs.
Jakob reflects on key industry lessons and the company's strategy to leverage off-the-shelf, certified components rather than developing everything in-house. The company is firmly committed to sustainability, with a focus on electric and hybrid-hydrogen propulsion and ultra-quiet ducted fan technology.
Looking ahead, Grasshopper is targeting certification between 2030–2031, with scaled prototypes beginning as early as 2026. Jakob also discusses the challenges of regulation, infrastructure integration, funding, and the importance of public acceptance for advanced air mobility to succeed globally.
The eVTOL Insights Podcast
In this episode, Igor introduces the Los Angeles-based manufacturer behind the world’s first rigid electric variable-buoyancy airship (EVBA).
With more than two decades of development and FAA certification experience, Aeros is now pushing toward commercial deployment of a logistics platform that can pick up and deliver cargo anywhere, without the need for roads, ports, runways, or other fixed infrastructure.
Igor shares the origins of Aeros’ mission to “save the world” by reimagining global logistics and explains how the company’s patented buoyancy-control system solves the century-old problem that prevented airships from becoming practical cargo solutions.
He walks listeners through the engineering breakthroughs behind variable buoyancy, hybrid-electric propulsion, and the lightweight pressure-vessel structures that make the airships commercially viable.
The discussion also explores how Aeros plans to transform the last-mile, middle-mile, and first-mile logistics ecosystem through three vehicle classes, ranging from a 10-ton urban airship supporting drone-based deliveries to a 244-ton intercontinental heavy-lift platform.
Igor also outlines upcoming R&D milestones, including urban demonstrations in Los Angeles, and explains how the company is preparing its next-generation airships for FAA certification from day one.
