Inside Zuri: The Leadership Driving Hybrid VTOL Innovation

Zuri leadership team with hybrid VTOL aircraft discussing the future of regional air mobility

From its integrated engineering and operations center near Prague, Zuri is building a hybrid electric VTOL aircraft with the range and reliability to transform Regional Air Mobility (RAM).

With a growing international team, aligned partners, and its Technology Demonstrator 2.0 (TD 2.0) in development, the company is entering a defining chapter. This phase is not about hype. It is about flight.

“We are not chasing attention. We are building something that will fly and last.”
Michal Illich, CEO

While much of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry chases short-range electric air taxis and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Zuri is building for broader impact. The aircraft offers more than 700 kilometers (435 miles) of range, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)-compatible engine for cruise flight.

See how Zuri's journey has progressed since 2017.

What follows is a conversation with the leadership team. It highlights the clarity, conviction, and momentum behind Zuri’s next phase.

Why is this moment so important for Zuri?

Michal Illich, Chief Executive Officer: We have built subscale models and tested key systems before, but TD 2.0 marks a new chapter. This is no longer a concept. It is a large-scale, flight-ready aircraft. We have strengthened the team, aligned our partnerships, and brought every department under one roof. That kind of focus builds real momentum.

Predrag Kovačević, Chief Technology Officer: This is the point where engineering stops being theoretical. We are integrating systems, testing propulsion, and solving real challenges. That is when it starts to matter.

Robert Demmer, Chief Marketing Officer: It is a breakout moment. TD 2.0 will demonstrate that hybrid and electric propulsion can work together at scale. Being based in Prague gives us an edge many overlook. There is deep aviation history, engineering talent, and real-time collaboration. That shows in how we build and move forward.

In what ways does Zuri's aircraft stand apart from others in the VTOL and AAM space?

Predrag: Most eVTOLs are built for short urban hops and rely entirely on batteries. That limits range, payload, and flexibility. Our hybrid electric system combines electric vertical lift with a SAF-compatible engine. It offers greater range, reliability, and operational practicality right now.

“We are not retrofitting yesterday's aircraft. We are designing a purpose-built hybrid VTOL from day one.”
Predrag Kovačević, CTO

Tomáš Kapoun, Chief Engineer: TD 2.0 is laying the groundwork for real-world readiness, with design decisions focused on future manufacturability and scalability.

Robert: Zuri is built for how people and goods travel between regions today. This is not about hopping between skyscrapers. It is about connecting underserved regions, enabling emergency response, and making business travel more efficient. We are solving for real use cases, not waiting on speculative infrastructure.

What impact does Zuri's on-site team structure have on development speed?

Michal: When your team is under one roof, speed is built in. We can review a design in the morning, adapt it in the afternoon, and test it within days. That pace does not happen by accident. It comes from co-location, shared urgency, and real-time decision making across engineering, testing, and operations.

“Proximity is not just an advantage. It is a key reason we are moving faster than companies ten times our size.”
Michal Illich, CEO

Is there a common misconception about hybrid VTOL that you often encounter?

Tomáš: That hybrid is just a temporary fix. It is not. It is one of the most realistic and certifiable paths forward. We are not waiting for batteries to catch up. We are building an aircraft that works within today's constraints and can scale with tomorrow's technology.

Looking back, what has been your biggest challenge, and what keeps you moving forward?

Tomáš: Hybrid propulsion is one of the most complex challenges in aviation. You are constantly balancing thermal loads, structural constraints, and system-level tradeoffs. What keeps us going is knowing that every breakthrough gets us closer to flying a viable aircraft.

"Every subsystem has to pull its weight. And every week, we are making sure it does."
Tomáš Kapoun, Chief Engineer

Predrag: Tiltrotor systems bring another level of complexity. Managing aerodynamic transitions, ensuring flight stability, and designing for redundancy require deep experience and constant iteration. Getting this right is not just technical. It is mission critical.

Michal: One of the hardest parts is knowing what not to build. There is always pressure to chase features or trends. Our strength is staying focused on what actually flies.

How do you define brand success in this space?

Robert: In a space full of projections and prototypes, clarity cuts through. Zuri earns attention by staying grounded. We focus on what we deliver, how we communicate, and who we serve. That consistency is how we turn credibility into traction.

“Brand success in aviation is not about being loud. It is about being trusted. That starts with showing up, staying clear, and doing what others only promise.”
Robert Demmer, CMO

One year from now, how will you measure success?

Michal: Success means converting attention into action. It means turning engineering momentum into flight results, and early recognition into long-term partnerships. That is how we know we are delivering, not just promising.

Predrag: For me, it is a flight-proven TD 2.0 with strong performance data and a clear roadmap to certification. That is when we know our platform is real and scalable.

Robert: A respected brand is not just liked. It is trusted. Success means our message resonates with operators, partners, and regulators. It means more people asking the right question: How soon can we make this real together?

Meet the Leadership Team

Michal Illich, Chief Executive Officer
Founder of Zuri and a seasoned tech entrepreneur, Michal has launched multiple ventures in search, software, and digital innovation. He brings a systems-thinking mindset to aviation.

Predrag Kovačević, Chief Technology Officer
With more than 20 years in aerospace propulsion and aircraft integration, Predrag leads Zuri's technology development and system design. His work spans from early R&D to full-scale prototype readiness.

Tomáš Kapoun, Chief Engineer
He is involved in the development and design of aircraft, with an interdisciplinary role that encompasses not only the design itself, but also aerodynamics, flight mechanics, certification, and safety and reliability analysis.

Robert Demmer, Chief Marketing Officer
A seasoned communications leader with 20 years in tech, Robert has shaped global brands across SaaS and developer tools. At Zuri, he leads marketing, messaging, and visibility as the company scales regional air mobility.

Six Reasons Zuri Is Gaining Momentum

Built for Regional Air Mobility (RAM): Focused on practical, scalable solutions that address real infrastructure gaps across Europe and beyond.
Hybrid Electric VTOL Aircraft: Leveraging electric lift and SAF-compatible propulsion for true range, reliability, and operational flexibility.
700+ Kilometer Range: Designed for regional routes that matter, not just short urban hops.
Technology Demonstrator 2.0: Zuri's next-generation aircraft is now in development with a refined structure, upgraded powertrain, and full flight capability.
Co-Located International Team: Engineering, leadership, and operations work together in Prague. This enables faster decisions and accelerates development.
Partnership Driven: Active collaboration with suppliers, manufacturers, and future operators who share Zuri's long-term vision.

This Is Zuri's Moment

There are many aircraft on paper. A few in the air.

We are building something more capable and more grounded.
We are designing a hybrid electric VTOL to connect regions, not just cities.
We have brought a global team together under one roof in Prague.
And we are solving what regional air mobility truly needs today and tomorrow.

Whether you are an investor, journalist, operator, or someone who simply believes in better mobility, this is your invitation to watch closely.

Zuri is just getting started.

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