What AirDesign does

AirDesign Gliders AG is a Swiss-headquartered (Wolfenschiessen) paragliding equipment manufacturer with an additional business contact in Absam, Tyrol, Austria, operating with approximately 20 employees. The company designs, develops, and distributes a portfolio of roughly 16 paraglider models spanning EN-A (beginner) through EN-D (expert) certifications, alongside four harnesses (Le Slip 2, The BoxR, The Sock, The Sock SL) and two rescue parachute systems (Donut, Donut SL). Its product architecture is organized around four proprietary construction series — DURALAST (durable/commercial), DURALIGHT (semi-lightweight), SUPERLIGHT (ultralight), and XPed (expedition) — combined with aerodynamic features such as Shark Nose air intakes, the Short Line Concept, 2.5-Liner architecture, and Double Winglet Design (Winglet² Effect). The True XXS program certifies wings from 50 kg takeoff weight, targeting small and light pilots.

The company monetizes through hardware sales of certified paragliding equipment distributed exclusively via a global network of authorized dealers that provide selection advice, fitting, and after-sales support, complemented by a Rep. & Check Center network for repairs and inspections. Accessories, branded apparel, and merchandise (bags, clothing, trail rucksacks) are sold directly through the company's own e-commerce shop. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is set at dealer discretion. AirDesign serves five distinct customer segments — beginner/EN-A pilots, intermediate/EN-B pilots, advanced EN-C/D pilots, hike & fly/adventure pilots, and commercial operators/flight schools — and reaches international markets through four-language storefronts (German, English, French, Spanish) and competition/testival sponsorships such as X-Pyr. The company is privately held, founder-led (with designer Stephan Stiegler referenced as the lead designer), and operates without disclosed institutional investment or financial reporting.

Name

AirDesign

Legal name

AirDesign Gliders AG

Website

https://ad-gliders.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AirDesign Gliders AG is a Swiss paragliding equipment manufacturer (~20 employees) designing and distributing ~16 EN-A to EN-D certified gliders, harnesses, and rescue systems through a global authorized dealer network, with proprietary DURALAST, SUPERLIGHT, and XPed construction technologies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Paragliding Equipment

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft (3721), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Glider & Sailplane Manufacturing (IMABAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Paragliding, Skydiving & Airborne Adventure Sports (THAJABAJ)

Keywords

• Paragliding equipment
• Paraglider wings
• Hike and fly gear
• Tandem paragliders
• Rescue parachutes

Headquarters

HQ city

Wolfenschiessen

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Paragliding Equipment Sales: AirDesign generates revenue primarily through the sale of paragliding equipment including gliders (wings), harnesses, and rescue systems. Products are sold through authorized dealer networks and directly via the company's e-commerce shop for accessories and merchandise.
2. Accessories and Merchandise: The company sells accessories including bags, clothing, and other gear through its own online shop, complementing the core paragliding equipment business.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AirDesign designs, manufactures, and sells certified paragliding equipment including paraglider wings (EN-A through EN-D), tandem gliders, harnesses, and rescue parachute systems. The product range is organized around proprietary construction technologies (DURALAST, DURALIGHT, SUPERLIGHT, XPed) and is distributed through a global authorized dealer network, with accessories and branded merchandise sold via the company's own e-commerce shop.

Product overview

AirDesign is a paragliding equipment manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio centered on gliders (paragliders) complemented by harnesses and rescue systems. The product line includes 16 glider models across five technology series: DURALAST (robust tandem/training), DURALIGHT (semi-lightweight), SUPERLIGHT (ultralight), and XPed (expedition ultra-lightweight). Gliders range from EN-A (beginner) to EN-D (expert) certification levels, with dedicated tandem models. Harnesses include reversible (Le Slip 2), seat (The BoxR), and pod (The Sock/Sock SL) designs. Rescue systems comprise the Donut and Donut SL ultralight parachutes. Accessories include AirPack bundles, hiking fly backpacks, and branded clothing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Eazy 4 EN-A certified beginner paraglider with DURALAST construction (minimum weight 3.98 kg), designed for training and progressive skill development from first flights to cross-country adventures. Targeted at students, new pilots, and flight schools.
• SuSi 4 Versatile superlight paraglider certified EN-A to EN-D with optional BC control, weights from 1.95 kg (size 14), designed for hike & fly, expeditions, and pilots of all skill levels.
• SuSi XPed Expedition-series paraglider certified EN-B to EN-D with weights starting at 1.75 kg (size 13), representing AirDesign's lightest and most robust equipment for extreme adventures.
• Vivo 3 EN-B certified playful and agile paraglider with 2.5-leiner architecture and enhanced thermalling capability, positioned between Eazy and Soar for pilots progressing from EN-A or accessing EN-B.
• LiVi 2 EN-B certified lightweight paraglider (Light Vivo) from 3.0 kg, based on Vivo 3 design but optimized for weight reduction for pilots seeking both thermalling and hike & fly capabilities.
• Rise 5 EN-B certified high-performance paraglider with 2.5-leiner construction and dual winglet design (Winglet² effect), combining High-B performance with accessible handling for cross-country flying.
• Soar 2 EN-B certified superlight paraglider from 2.98 kg with 2.5-leiner construction and dual winglet design, designed for pilots seeking lightweight summit-to-fly adventures.
• Volt 5 EN-C certified superlight performance paraglider designed for experienced pilots seeking speed and performance.
• Hero 2 EN-D certified superlight high-performance paraglider for expert pilots.
• Hero XPed EN-D certified expedition-series paraglider combining high performance with lightweight construction for extreme adventures.
• Loco EN-C certified paraglider with playful character for intermediate pilots.
• Hike XPed Tandem EN-B certified expedition paraglider designed for hike & fly tandem adventures, emphasizing lightweight versatility for two.
• Ride 4 Tandem EN-B certified paraglider with DURALAST construction for commercial or recreational tandem flying.
• UFO EN-A to EN-B certified superlight glider designed for versatile use.
• RONIN EN-B to EN-C certified superlight paraglider for accessible-to-intermediate pilots.
• RONIN-Bi Tandem EN-B certified superlight paraglider for biplace tandem flying.
• Le Slip 2 Superlight reversible harness combining seat board and pod functions, designed for comfort and versatility.
• The BoxR Seat harness designed for intuitive, comfortable use from first flights to cross-country adventures.
• The Sock Pod harness designed for lie-down flying comfort.
• The Sock SL Superlight version of The Sock pod harness for weight-conscious pilots.
• Donut Rescue parachute system for emergency deployment.
• Donut SL Ultralight rescue parachute system for weight-critical applications.
• AirDesign Accessories and Merchandise Branded accessories including AirPack bundles, Hike & Fly Trail Rucksacks, packsäcke, bags, and clothing sold directly via the AirDesign online shop.

Quantifiable outcome

• EN-A certified gliders from 50 kg takeoff weight — lightest pilots receive the same flying experience as heavier pilots
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature14 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Nova Paragliders: Austrian paraglider manufacturer with a comparable size and product portfolio spanning EN-A to EN-D gliders, plus harnesses and accessories. Direct competitor in European markets with similar focus on performance and lightweight construction.
• U-Turn: German paraglider manufacturer producing EN-certified gliders, harnesses, and accessories, with a similar mid-sized privately held profile. Similar competitive positioning in the European paragliding market.
• Niviuk: Spanish paraglider and accessories manufacturer offering a comparable EN-A to EN-D range plus harnesses and rescue systems. Overlaps with AirDesign in target markets, particularly in the hike & fly and lightweight sub-segments.
• Mac Para Technology: Czech paraglider manufacturer with a comparable EN-A to EN-D range, harnesses, and rescue systems sold through global dealer networks. Comparable mid-sized private manufacturer with similar product breadth.
• Advance Thun: Swiss paraglider manufacturer headquartered near AirDesign's home market, offering a comparable full lineup of EN-certified gliders, harnesses, and rescue systems. Closely comparable in target customer, certification range, and dealer-based distribution.
• Gin Gliders: South Korean paraglider manufacturer with an extensive EN-A to EN-D lineup, including lightweight and tandem models, distributed globally through dealers. Closely comparable in product breadth and target pilot segments.
• Supair: French paragliding equipment manufacturer producing gliders, harnesses, and accessories with a comparable mid-market profile. Direct competitor particularly strong in French-speaking markets.
• Skywalk: German paraglider manufacturer with comparable EN-A to EN-D product range, including lightweight and tandem models. Direct competitor in the European dealer channel with overlapping target customer segments.
• Swing Flugsportgeräte: German paraglider manufacturer offering a comparable range of EN-certified gliders across skill levels and tandem applications. Direct competitor with overlapping product categories and dealer-based distribution.
• Ozone Paragliders: Major UK-based paraglider manufacturer with a broad EN-A to EN-D product range, strong competition and XC pilot following, and global dealer distribution. Direct competitor across nearly all of AirDesign's product categories.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AIRDESIGNgliders
• Facebookfacebook.com/AirDesignGliders
• Instagraminstagram.com/airdesign_gliders
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/airdesign

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AirDesign