Our story

Our story reaches back to 1984 and follows a timeline of ideas, experiments, milestones and breakthroughs that shaped what Starseed® has become today. The company began as Soulpilots Ltd. in 2015, later evolved into Starseed Ltd., and in 2023 became Neverland Ltd. — a name inspired by a world of dreams, imagination and endless possibilities.

Through text, photos and film, this timeline invites you to follow our path from the first sparks of inspiration to the Starseed® models of today — and onward into a future where the sky is not the limit, but home.

This page is presented in chronological order, from the earliest milestones to the latest developments.

1984

The early start

At the age of 14, Trond Nyman Aarre traveled by passenger plane for the first time. During the landing at Stavanger Airport late at night, Trond saw the indigo blue landing lights, which made a deep impression on him – without him knowing exactly why. The mesmerizing indigo blue lights remained in Trond's dreams every night for several weeks, compelling him to bring that vision into his boys' room. Trond trespassed, climbing over the fence at Stavanger Airport to take nocturnal pictures of the indigo blue landing lights on the runway. These landing lights sparked Trond's lifelong fascination with and dedication to aviation and air sports. The Starseed logo has the same Pantone color as the light radiating from the indigo blue landing lights. A part of the story includes Trond being arrested by the airport guard, who then released him, fascinated by Trond's dedication to reaching his goal.

The original photo taken in 1984

1988

The first paramotor flight in Norway

Trond Nyman Aarre and Espen Munthe were trained as paramotor pilots in Augsburg, Germany, with the German photographer Achim Mende as instructor. Concurrently, musician and designer Bernd Gärtig purchased a PagoJet BG11 paramotor. Once back in Norway, they performed their first paramotor flight at Skeie airfield, which is about a 45-minute drive from Stavanger, Norway.

1989

Pioneering paramotoring in Norway: The path to official approval

Trond Nyman Aarre, our Team Manager, was just 17 years old when he pioneered paramotoring in the Nordic countries. Already an experienced skydiver and paragliding pilot, Trond became the first paramotor pilot and instructor in Norway. He also chaired the initial evaluation committee for gaining official approval of paramotoring under the Norwegian Airsport Federation. Lars Ove Lofthus had the distinction of being the first official paramotor student in Norway.

Trond with the clothespin throttle well planted in his mouth.
Lars Ove's first flight (1989)

1990

The development of Skywalker One

Although the PagoJet BG11 was in excellent condition, Trond and Lars Ove saw potential for improvement. They aimed to create a model that was lighter, more affordable, and boasted a superior design with significantly enhanced flight characteristics. In collaboration with Danish aviation pioneer Vincent Seremet, they designed and engineered the first Nordic paramotor model, Skywalker One. Ten units were manufactured for sale in Norway and Denmark.

Skywalker One

 

2000

Insight is king

Trond and Lars Ove purchased all of the most well-known frames and engines in the market for active testing. The work of specifying their dream machine began. Over the next few years, acquiring other paramotor models provided them with a thorough understanding of the market's ongoing developments and assisted them in identifying the optimal reference models.

2015

Partnering up with Evo Aviation

Trond Nyman Aarre and Lars Ove Lofthus allied with Miro Arsov of Evo Aviation, Bulgaria, for the development of a new generation of paramotors. The first prototype was successfully developed.

2016

The end of partnership with Evo Aviation and a new alliance with renowned industrial designer Steffen Mølgaard.

After several prototypes and rounds of testing, the collaboration with Evo Aviation was abruptly ended. Both parties agreed to further develop the new generation of paramotors independently, pursuing different angles and approaches. As a result, they parted ways for good. Miro Arsov subsequently launched the 'Rebel'. Meanwhile, Trond and Lars formed a new alliance with renowned industrial designer Steffen Mølgaard, who became a co-owner of Starseed. This partnership brought a much more professional and methodical approach to the development of Starseed X than they had previously experienced.

Lars Ove Lofthus and Steffen Mølgaard discuss the Starseed X tank before production of the third prototype.
3D printed prototype of the Starseed X fuel tank
Steffen tests an early prototype of the Starseed X fuel tank

2017

Developing the upcoming Starseed X: The prototyping phase

Two prototypes of the Starseed X were developed and rigorously tested. Aiming for an almost perfect framework, the team continued to work on further optimization at all levels. This effort aligned with our vision and philosophy of 'Sophisticated Simplicity'.

Collaboration with Matteo Asnicar

Starseed entered into a partnership with Matteo Asnicar of Italy to develop the new Starseed Engine e82.

Matteo Asnicar

2018

Developing new prototypes for the upcoming Starseed X

Two new prototypes of the Starseed X were developed. While we were initially prepared for launch, we sought additional market insights and responses. To achieve this, we engaged several experienced pilots worldwide as part of our Starseed focus group. Their input was invaluable for suggesting further improvements towards perfecting the airframe.

Introducing the first prototype of the e-82 engine

The first working prototype of the e-Flight e82, designed and manufactured by Matteo Asnicar of e-Flight Inc, has come to fruition. This engine is specifically tailored for the Starseed airframes. And what an engine it is! It heralds a small revolution in the making!

Starseed e82 by e-Flight

Trond Nyman Aarre celebrates 30 years in skydiving, paragliding and paramotoring

On September 16th, 2018, our founder Trond Nyman Aarre marked his 30th anniversary in skydiving, paramotoring, and paragliding.

2019

Launching Starseed X at Coupe Icare

Starseed X was born and officially launched at Coupe Icare, eliciting an overwhelming response from world champions, fellow pilots, good friends, and media who visited our stand.

Initiating the development of Starseed XF

The development of a new model, the Starseed XF, is well underway. After conducting hundreds of tests and creating more than 10 prototypes, various manual and electric gas dampers have been thoroughly evaluated. Ultimately, we experienced a breakthrough, reaffirming our commitment to the vision and brand promise of sophisticated simplicity.

Latest prototype of the Starseed XF, until we saw the light with a capital 'L'! True to our brand promise of Sophisticated Simplicity, we believe the less complicated, the better.

2020

The birth of Starseed XF

Starseed XF has been introduced, marking a new class of paramotors. It represents the missing link between paragliding and paramotoring, pioneering a unique blend of both disciplines.

Developing a new, lower-cost model

Team Starseed is fully committed to developing a new, lower-cost starship model, aiming to create the ultimate link between paragliding and paramotoring. This endeavor requires the titanium machined construction of the Starseed X/XF to be simplified as much as possible, without sacrificing quality, flight characteristics, strength, or the efficient design our Starseed airframes are renowned for. After creating 11 prototypes and conducting hundreds of hours of testing both in the hangar and in the air, the concept of Starseed Fusion emerged. Recognizing that a true ‘Thermal Booster’ performs best with a pod harness or leg cover pod, developing and testing our own pod harness is now a top priority. Alternatively, we are considering adapting and optimizing the Apco Paramotor Pod cover leg for our purposes. Trond Nyman Aarre and Fabrizio Teighi can attest: there's nothing as exciting as concept development, prototyping, and testing, both on the ground and in the air.

2021

Starseed highlighted in Paramotor Magazine

February 2021

Starseed Ltd., along with our team manager Trond Nyman Aarre, was featured in Paramotor Magazine. The full article is available for download here.

Birth of the Starseed Fusion

29th of May 2021

The all-new Starseed Fusion offers a reclined flying position for a relaxed paragliding experience. This has been achieved by elevating the specially designed fuel tank to serve as the back panel, incorporating new swing arms, and ensuring the balanced geometry of both the Starseed Fusion star frame and the optimized harnesses.

Team Starseed celebrates the unveiling of our newest creation, the Starseed Fusion.

Introducing the Starseed Fuelbag

20th of December 2021

Polls show that 80% of pilots typically fly for less than one hour per flight. However, for those embarking on extended cross-country (XC) flights, we offer an optional custom-designed flexible fuel tank. This tank, which fits inside our front fuel container, allows pilots to carry up to 9.5 liters of extra fuel. It also enables in-flight refueling by pumping fuel directly into the main fuel tank on your back. The Starseed Fuelbag, currently exclusive to Starseed owners, represents a significant advancement in in-flight refueling systems. A generic, stand-alone version compatible with all paramotor brands is set to be available in January 2023.

2022

Paramotor Magazine reviews Starseed Fusion

February 2022

We are both honored and humbled by the review of our Starseed Fusion in the February 2022 edition of Paramotor Magazine. The review is available for download and reading here.

2023

Starseed X2 takes flight 🚀

1th of January 2023

Some pilots prefer a relaxed, reclined flying style, perhaps with a packed lunch and thermos, heading to distant destinations. Others seek the thrill of full-speed, upside-down maneuvers or flying close to the terrain. Our signature model, the Starseed X2, accommodates both styles, effectively offering two paramotors in one.

To achieve our goal of creating a light, compact, and balanced paramotor, the X2 is exclusively compatible with the Vittorazi Atom 80, Corsair N80, and Corsair Black Bee 125 engines. Like all Starseed models, the X2 features a raised fuel tank that doubles as the back panel, allowing free airflow around the pilot and maximizing thrust for every engine on the market. This design ensures that even heavier pilots can enjoy nearly the same thrust as larger engines provide.

Compared to its predecessor, the Starseed X, the X2 introduces several new features:

  • All-new titanium swing arms, offering extreme strength for full acrobatic flying.
  • A new hang point system using Dudek straps.
  • An updated double anti-torque system.
  • A new integrated, lighter, and simpler magnetic system for locking the retractable leg, replacing the gas damper system of the X model.
  • New fuel inserts to eliminate any breaks in the fuel line.
  • Stronger bottom sections and an optimized retractable leg system.
  • Numerous smaller iterations for the perfect airframe.

The Starseed X2 is the result of true engineering dedication, embodying our vision that only the best is good enough, free from technical limitations.

Starseed Fuelbag now available

1st of January 2023

We are excited to officially launch our new refueling system, the Starseed Fuelbag. This multi-purpose system functions as at least three systems in one. It is ideal for enthusiasts of long cross-country (XC) flights who require maximum fuel capacity, as well as for those looking to replace their existing solid fuel tank with a lighter, more balanced, and flexible setup.

Starseed Fuelbag: Supporting a range of product configurations

Discontinuation of Starseed Fusion

1st of January 2023

Despite the success and popularity of the Starseed Fusion, we regret to announce that we must discontinue this esteemed model. The primary reason for this decision is the challenging situation regarding the supply of aircraft-grade raw titanium materials. Previously, our titanium supply was sourced from Russia, a practice that has become untenable due to the sanctions against Russia following the war in Ukraine. Efforts to match the quality of titanium from alternative sources have proven unsuccessful, as neither the material itself nor the welding meet our stringent quality standards.

For our signature model, the Starseed X2, we still have a sufficient supply of spare parts. Our team is actively seeking the best strategies to navigate these challenging times caused by the sanctions. We are optimistic about sharing positive news in the near future :)

Unveiling the Starseed® Stellar: Merging applied art with future-proof modularity

24th of December 2023

Dear esteemed aviators and paramotoring enthusiasts 🌟

Today, we take you on a journey that's both a nod to our cherished beginnings and a bold leap towards a luminous future. Introducing the Starseed® Stellar - a masterpiece that marries exquisite craftsmanship with unbeatable performance.

A celebrated return to our roots: Since our humble beginnings in 1988, Starseed® has been a beacon of innovation in the Nordic paramotoring scene. Over the years, the growth of our operations slightly distanced us from the intimate process of crafting limited-series paramotors. Today, we're revisiting that passion, infusing the Stellar with the magic of applied art.

Craftsmanship redefined: The Starseed® Stellar is more than just another paramotor; it's the physical manifestation of our legacy and boundless vision. Building on the triumphs of Starseed® X, X2, XF, and Fusion, the Stellar introduces cutting-edge innovations, perfected geometry, and robotic machining, ensuring razor-sharp precision, the finest tolerances, and unmatched consistency.

Extraordinary design & flight excellence: The Stellar, envisioned as a beacon of smart sophistication and high performance, embodies premium quality, exquisite design, and exceptional flight characteristics. It's as delightful to admire as it is to fly and own, symbolizing our total commitment to excellence and innovation.

Durability meets elegance: Using the finest quality aluminum and a rigorous hard anodization process that produces a thick, hard layer of aluminum oxide for enhanced protection against wear and corrosion, the Stellar goes beyond traditional titanium limitations. It strikes an optimum balance between lightweight design and robustness.

The future of modularity: We've dreamt of a unique, modular airframe. With the Stellar, that dream is now reality. Its adaptive design ensures longevity and easy upgrades while unveiling a universe of possibilities for customized airframes and diverse add-ons, tailored perfectly to pilots' varied needs.

Exclusive 50% discount offer: Celebrating the Launch of Starseed® Stellar, we're thrilled to present an unmatched opportunity on our existing Starseed® X2 model! Secure your X2 now for a staggering 50% off, priced at just EUR 1645.

A brand evolution: As a tribute to the realm of endless dreams and possibilities, we're transitioning our legal company name to Neverland Ltd. With the Starseed® Stellar leading the way, we promise - just like in Neverland - we will never truly 'land'. The stars are our playground – and home!

With Starseed®, we do more than craft paramotors; we create dreams, shape legends, and empower every aviator to touch the sky. The Starseed® Stellar is not just a product; it's our heartfelt tribute to the heavens and to every pilot who's dreamed of reaching the stars.

To infinity and beyond, with all our love,
Team Starseed
🌌🛰️💙

Starseed® Stellar launch: Website updates and Team Manager's Recovery

24th of December 2023

In light of the launch of the Starseed® Stellar, we're doing some housekeeping. The floating Facebook Messenger widget on flystarseed.com has been anything but stable, leading to many inquiries going unanswered. In collaboration with Facebook, we've now successfully resolved this issue, implementing a new solution on Christmas Eve to ensure everything functions as it should from day one.

And finally, it's time to address the rumors about our Team Manager, Trond Nyman Aarre. Some time ago, Trond experienced an engine out, followed by a downwind landing at a very high speed. After sliding on his feet for several tens of meters on wet grass, he ended up in a split, resulting in significant groin injuries. Following a series of surgical procedures and a long recovery, Trond is finally healthy and back to the beat 🚀🌟

26th of December 2023

Starseed® Stellar to be featured in Season 2 of 'The Sami Apprentice'

Returning in 2024, the Norwegian TV hit(The Sami Apprentice) gears up for Season 2 with Anders Kråkevik, continuing his adventures using the Starseed® Stellar equipped with Cors-air Black Bee 125. Building on the success of the first season, where Anders flew Starseed® X2 and Starseed® Fusion with Atom 80 and Cors-air Black Devil Pro, Season 2 promises more excitement and cultural exploration.

This season starts with a wedding planning in Kautokeino and includes Anders teaching Mathis Oskal the art of making apple cider in Hardanger, renowned for its apple farms. The duo's journey expands from calf marking and reindeer hunting in Hardangervidda to exploring reindeer herding in Mongolia, pushing both out of their comfort zones and aligning with Starseed's adventurous spirit.

Season 1 captivated audiences with its authentic portrayal of Sami culture, achieving great success in Norway. For more details and to watch Season 1, visit TV2 Play at https://play.tv2.no/programmer/fakta/soeringen-og-samen.

It is worth noting that both Season 1 and the new Season 2 will be made available to international audiences in 2024. More information will be released once it is confirmed which streaming platform will be chosen for the series. Visit soringenogsamen.no for series information (Norwegian only).

Fun fact: Starseed’s Team Manager, Trond Nyman Aarre, has been a lifelong fan of Sami culture, inspired by childhood memories in Stavanger, including singing the children’s TV series 'Ante' theme song into a microphone right beside the bus drivers in Stavanger city, or performing for the neighbors in exchange for his favorite herb, parsley 😅

2026

Starseed® Stellar 110 launched 🚀

1th of May 2026

Starseed® introduces the Stellar 110, an ultra-compact Climb Assist paramotor created for paraglider pilots who want more freedom, lower weight and a flying experience that stays close to pure paragliding.

The new model has been developed for a time when traditional launch sites are increasingly affected by wind farms, power lines, changing land use and unpredictable thermal conditions. With the Stellar 110, pilots can launch from more places, gain safe altitude, extend short sled rides and keep flying on days that would otherwise offer only a few minutes in the air.

Climb Assist positions itself between free flight and classic paramotoring. The goal is not to turn paragliding into powered flight, but to provide just enough thrust when it is needed. Once altitude is gained, the engine can be switched off, allowing the wing, the air and the pilot to take over again. The result is a new category with a clear purpose: more freedom without losing the magic of pure flight.

Starseed® Stellar 110 is launched in two distinct editions, both built on the same refined platform. PAN is the light, pure Climb Assist edition, featuring a carbon back plate, a front-mounted Starseed® Fuelbag and a flying feel that stays close to classic paragliding. TINK is the compact and robust edition with an integrated 10-litre tank, made for quick takeoffs, spontaneous adventures and classic paramotor fun in a smaller format.

Together, PAN and TINK show two sides of the same adventure. One is about lightness, endurance and almost invisible freedom. The other is about strength, simplicity and always being ready to fly. With the Stellar 110, Starseed® takes a clear step into a new generation of small, practical and more refined paramotors.

More freedom. Less machine. The choice is yours.

Starseed® Stellar 110: TINK edition and PAN edition, side by side

Starseed® Stellar Platform opens the door to new paramotor possibilities

3th of May 2026

With the Starseed® Stellar platform, Starseed is no longer developing single paramotor models in isolation. We are building a scalable airframe concept designed to create new, tailored paramotor solutions for different pilot profiles, flying styles and future needs.

Developed with robotic precision and free from the limitations of welded frames, the Stellar platform is the realization of a vision that began in 1988. It builds on everything we have learned from earlier Starseed models, including X, X2, XF and Fusion, while moving the concept into a new era of modular design.

At the heart of the platform lies the StarCore, connecting modular parts into a strong, stable and adaptable structure. The multi-sectional frame is designed to eliminate torsion, support future upgrades and make component replacement possible across models built on the same platform. It also opens the door to tailored integrations, from trikes and cameras to strobe lights and specialized mission equipment.

One of the most exciting examples of this potential is our internal project, code-named PIXIE.

With PIXIE, we are challenging the traditional paramotor hoop itself. The concept is based on a nano-paramotor where the propeller opens automagically when throttle is applied, then closes automagically when the engine returns to idle or stops. This could open an entirely new segment of ultra-compact paramotors, especially tailored for paragliding pilots who want lightweight climb assist without carrying more machine than necessary.

The airframe concept for PIXIE is already fully developed. Neverland Ltd. is now exploring different solutions for the propeller part of the concept.

PIXIE is only one example of what the Starseed® Stellar Platform makes possible. By building on the same core airframe philosophy, we can develop new models faster, adapt them more precisely and keep pushing paramotor design into places traditional welded frames simply cannot go.

For Starseed, this is not just a platform. It is the beginning of a new generation of paramotors.

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