Lentola Logistics is currently developing a transportation system utilizing electric aircraft that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from last-mile deliveries in sparsely populated areas by up to 70%. Together with Berggren, they secured a patent in the U.S. at the beginning of 2020 for controlling the thrust vector of a twin-engine aircraft and the functionality of the cargo space. In addition to the U.S., applications are also pending in other parts of the world.
Lentola Logistics is a three-person company. In addition to CEO Markus Hohenthal, two engineers from Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Johannes Lappalainen and Risto Hyväri, are working on the development.
"This is a VTOL aircraft, meaning the plane takes off and lands vertically. Our current aircraft can carry a maximum payload of 4 kg, and its range varies between 30-40 km depending on the weight of the cargo. If the aircraft is filled with additional batteries instead of cargo, the range extends to about 90 km. It is suitable for delivering all daily mail and packages, either directly from online stores or through postal delivery routes," Hohenthal explains.
"In theory, we could organize a large portion of the last-mile deliveries in rural and sparsely populated areas. This is a very eco-friendly method, and the more difficult the route, the more cost-effective it becomes. Although we are still in the very early stages of our calculations, according to them, we could reduce transportation CO2 emissions by up to 70% in these areas," Hohenthal summarizes.
"Mika’s expertise was top-notch"
Hohenthal submitted his first patent application for the aircraft himself in 2014. However, as the project progressed, he decided to contact Mika Laajalahti from Berggren.
"Mika has a strong aviation background. When I found out that he is both a long-standing expert in the IPR field and an aviation enthusiast, the choice was clear. At that point, I didn’t consider any other firms. Mika’s knowledge was as good as it gets," Hohenthal recalls.
"Mika was able to explain in great detail all the possible options. We immediately started working on the necessary changes to get the patent approved. There are many factors to consider when submitting a patent application. We received good news from the U.S. in 2020 when the patent was granted. An EU patent was granted for this invention in June 2022, and another structural solution of ours was granted an EU patent in December 2023."
Patents facilitate securing funding
Although Lentola Logistics was one of the very first to develop this type of aircraft, other players, some quite large, have now started their own development efforts. For this reason, the patent granted in the U.S. was a significant win. Lentola Logistics is currently seeking funding to take the next steps in product development and new patents. An IP strategy has also been developed in collaboration with Berggren.
"Working with Berggren has always been really enjoyable. The meetings have been very relaxed, but of course, professionalism has always been present. For example, data security has been handled very well, which is important when we are competing with large competitors. Better applications naturally increase the likelihood of obtaining patents. This opens up better opportunities for us to attract investors as well. Investors are certainly interested in the fact that the company has patents to protect its technology," Hohenthal emphasizes.
"Working with Berggren brings a certain sense of security, knowing that our patent matters are in the best possible hands," Hohenthal concludes.
Current situation: Challenges and new opportunities
Recently, Lentola Logistics has continued development and built some potentially patentable structural solutions. However, CEO Markus Hohenthal mentions that a tight budget has forced the company to postpone patent applications. "This is unfortunate, as the pace of development in the industry is rapid, and competition is intensifying," Hohenthal notes.
The company is currently looking for partners with whom they could begin distributing newspapers and packages in rural areas. Lentola Logistics has already introduced its transportation system to logistics operators and completed two major pilot projects. One of the pilots was carried out in the challenging conditions of the archipelago, where residents of small islands experienced a new type of delivery service. "The service proved especially valuable in remote or challenging locations. The sound of the aircraft starting up and the newspaper floating down from the sky was the highlight of the day for many islanders’ dogs," Hohenthal chuckles.
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Our client experience story has been independently produced by Kokemuksia.fi. Each story has been approved by the interviewed client, and the company featured has had no opportunity to influence the content of the story.