Lilium

Based in Munich, Germany, Lilium is a transportation company that manufactures eVTOL aircraft powered by an electric battery system, making them environmentally friendly and quiet while providing a fast and efficient mode of transportation for short to medium distances. Unlike traditional rotor-based eVTOLS, Lilium's aircraft feature jet engines, which, according to the company, provide a smoother, faster, and more efficient flight experience and can travel up to 186 miles on a single charge. As of December 2024, it had planned launch networks announced in Germany, the US, Brazil, and the UK. It has teams across Europe and the US.

Lilium's business model has three main components. The first involves targeting business aviation customers through private or fractional ownership sales, while the second focuses on using the Lilium Jet for regional passenger shuttle networks that will be created and operated with third parties. Lastly, Lilium intends to provide enterprise solutions by selling fleets of Lilium Jets and related aftermarket services directly to enterprises and other customers. 

In June 2023, it received the G-1 Certification basis from the FAA for the type certificate validation of its Lilium Jet. In November 2023, Lilium also received Design Organization Approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), making it the only eVTOL manufacturer with both an EASA and FAA certification base for a powered-lift eVTOL aircraft. The company was working toward a targeted initial Type Certification in late 2025 and was planning its first manned flight test of the type conforming aircraft for the second half of 2024. In July 2024, Lilium announced that its first deliveries of its Lilium Jet were expected in 2026 and that after assembly, the first piloted flight of its "Lilium Jet MSN 2" was scheduled for early 2025. 

Lilium entered self-administration in November 2024 after announcing insolvency plans in October 2024. The filing followed the German Parliament’s rejection of its ~USD 55 million loan request that same month.

Key customers and partnerships

Lilium has signed agreements with Tier-1 aerospace suppliers such as Toray Industries, Aciturri Aerostructures, Aeronamic, Aernnova, Astronics, Ratier Figeac (Collins Aerospace Group), Diehl Aviation, Expliseat, GKN Aerospace, L3 Harris, Honeywell Aerospace, Magnaghi Aeronautica, CUSTOMCELLS, and Perryman. It has also partnered with Garmin for Avionics,  Schnaithmann Maschinenbau to design and build its propulsion assembly line, and Honeywell to produce propulsion unit position sensors.

Lilium’s global partnerships to develop eVTOL infrastructure include collaborations in the US with ABB E-mobility, Atlantic Aviation, and NetJets; Europe with Fraport, SEA Milan Airports, Skyports Infrastructure, and Groupe ADP; the UK with eVolare; Brazil with Azul SA; China with Heli-Eastern; and ASEAN with Star Charge and PhilJets.

The company’s partnerships to launch eVTOL passenger services include its May 2024 partnership with UrbanLink to introduce 20 jets for South Florida eVTOL services, a July 2024 partnership with Saudi Arabian carrier SAUDIA for 100 jets, and a September 2024 partnership with Galaxy FBO and EMCJET to expand into Houston with regional connectivity and jet sales, which was to start in 2026.