Airwave Paragliders' Markus Villinger
Airwave is still very much alive and kicking, despite the loss of Stephan Stieglair and Martin Gostner, is the message company boss Markus Villinger wants the world to know. The company has been the subject of industry rumour that it’s about to go bust, but that couldn’t be further from the truth, says Markus.
The news comes after a difficult month for Airwave, which saw the head designer Stephan Stieglair and production manager Martin Gostner depart to set up AirDesign, a new paragliding company of their own. The move prompted immediate questions about the state of Airwave’s health.
In an interview with XC Mag this week Markus was bullish about the company’s future. Little is changing in his eyes and new models are already in production – the Puma, a dedicate paramotor wing, is imminent and other models are planned for release later in the year. The question is though, without Bruce Goldsmith or Stephan Stieglair who is going to design them?
Airwave expect to replace the Sport 4 in spring 2011
“People think that paraglider design all comes down to one guy. In reality it’s a team effort.” Markus told us.
“When you buy a Mercedes you don’t care who designed it. You just care that it’s a brilliant car with great after sales support. That’s how Airwave works. We are a big team and Stephan, and Bruce before him, were just parts of that team.”
This is not the first time Airwave has suffered through the convulsions of industry turmoil. Back in 1998 the company collapsed under its then-British management and was left bankrupt and designerless. Markus picked it out from the ashes and managed to lure Bruce Goldsmith, the company’s original designer and XC Mag Icaristics columnist, back to the fold. An interview with Markus back then revealed his long term commitment to the company and the sport.
However, Bruce’s defection to Advance in March 2010 left many wondering who, if anyone, could fill the void he left. Again Markus found himself a top name designer when UP’s designer Stephan Stieglair emigrated across the border from Germany. However Stieglair’s position was as head of design lasted only nine months and now Markus isn’t convinced that employing another top name designer was the right move at all.
“When I bought Airwave and Bruce came back I thought we needed to promote the fact we had a famous pilot and designer working with us. We did the same when Stephan arrived. In reality though all this does is shoot you in the foot when or if they leave.
“We are in the business of making gliders, not promoting star designers. People should check out our wings and if they like them buy them.”
Airwave Magic5: the Magic6 development is on hold for the time being
So who are now behind Airwave’s designs?
“I’m not going to name names, but there is a team of guys who design gliders just for us. We aren’t going down the road of buying in designs that everyone else has too.
“I’ve been burned by promoting one guy above the rest of the team. Plus this way we can bring in the best guys for the job. There are guys who are good at designing competition wings, guys who are good for acro wings; having one designer doesn’t really work.”
Regardless of the people behind the design, judgment will be have to be held until Airwave releases its next glider. Markus is aiming for a spring release. It will be their first new wing for 18 months.
Airwave are also interested in working with young motivated pilots with interesting ideas, in design, competition, acro and general promotion. If you think you have something to offer and want to get involved get in touch.
The rest of Airwave’s services, dealer network and after sales support are set to remain the same.
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