In the United States, the emergence of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for air mobility services is gaining momentum. Among them, the German-made Lilium eVTOL jet stands out for its unique features and ambitious plans.
Lilium, a German eVTOL manufacturer, is gearing up to launch its flagship aircraft in various locations across America. These launch sites include Florida, Southern California, the Northeast Corridor, and Texas.
To support its operations, Lilium has partnered with Atlantic Aviation, a fixed-base operation (FBO), and aviation service provider, ensuring access to more than 30 airports within its target areas.
However, before the official launch, significant groundwork needs to be completed. This includes addressing challenges such as electric charging infrastructure, integration with standard airport operations, and enhancing the passenger experience. Lilium and Atlantic Aviation are actively collaborating on these fronts in preparation for commercial service.
What sets Lilium apart from its competitors is its approach to offer not only shuttle operations but also private and premium options. This versatility allows both companies and individuals to purchase the aircraft, expanding its potential applications.
Moreover, Lilium’s eVTOL jet distinguishes itself by targeting regional aviation, offering longer journeys without compromising speed or comfort. Its unique lift-plus-cruise configuration and jet propulsion enable efficient regional transportation, a departure from the short-range flights typical of most eVTOLs.
As Lilium progresses towards commercialization, securing battery production is crucial. InoBat, a battery manufacturer, will produce battery cells for the Lilium jet at its factories in Slovakia. This partnership aims to support large-scale commercialization, with InoBat’s gigafactory targeting a production capacity of four-gigawatt hours (GWh).
Lilium has appointed EMCJET, a Texas-based aircraft brokerage and management company, as its exclusive dealer for private sales in America. The premium version of the eVTOL jet is expected to be priced between $7 and $10 million, catering to diverse market segments.