Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) developer, Lilium has announced the company has signed agreements with two private jet firms to supply its futuristic jet.
On May 23, 2023, the German aerospace company, confirmed a deal had been struck with Air-Dynamic SA, a Switzerland-based private jet and helicopter company.
Then on May 23, 2023, Lilium shared more good news, when it announced an agreement with Benelux-based business jet operator ASL Group.
Under each agreement Air-Dynamic SA will receive up to five Lilium Jets and ASL Group will take delivery of six Lilium Pioneer Edition Jets.
The new agreements mean Lilium’s potential order pipeline grew to 645 aircraft.
Air-Dynamic SA will operate and manage the Lilium Jets for its customers in Switzerland and Italy, which will offer customers early access to the premium ‘club configuration’ Lilium Jet including the Lilium Pioneer Edition.
ASL Group intends to manage and operate the aircraft for its customers as part of a sustainable, high-speed network connecting major hubs across Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Western Germany.
Both agreements include deposit payments to Lilium, however the ASL Group deal converts an earlier Memorandum of Understanding between itself and Lilium, disclosed last year during the Farnborough International Airshow.
“Our company is constantly seeking new ways to operate responsibly and contribute to a healthy future, both socially and ecologically. The Lilium Jet is a great opportunity to provide better value to our customers in a sustainable way. With zero operating emissions, vertical take-off landing capability, and a spacious premium cabin, Lilium represents the best option on the market,” Philippe Bodson, owner, and CEO of ASL Group said.
Both new partnerships expand Lilium’s reach into the high-end European business travel and tourism market.
“This partnership represents an important step for Air-Dynamic SA and the entire aviation industry. We are excited to work with Lilium to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of aviation. The first project’s goal is to connect Lugano directly with Milan City Center and in parallel to establish a good connection in Italy for the most touristic destinations such as Lake Como and Capri.” Raffaella Meledandri, CEO of Air-Dynamic SA said.
Air-Dynamic SA has almost 20 years of experience in helicopter and jet charters specializes in networked routes across Switzerland, Italy, Côte d’Azur, and French Alps.
Air-Dynamic has a fleet of two new generation Pilatus PC-12s based directly at Lugano airport and manages different jets and helicopters on behalf of private owners and Air Operator Certificate holders.
On May 24, 2023, Lilium also posted its first quarter financial results.
The eVTOL company revealed it had secured funding for up to $250 million and that wind tunnel testing was underway of the complete aircraft model, with powered engines and actuators, successful testing of battery packs, and fan test launched on full-size engine.
Lilium also contracted a state-of-the-art cockpit simulator for its aircraft to support certification and pilot training.
“We are thrilled at the progress we are making in our Lilium Jet program. Our latest capital raise will enable us to continue to advance at speed towards our key milestones – start of final assembly of the type-conforming aircraft this year, first manned flight in the second half of 2024 and type certification in late 2025,” Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe wrote in a letter to shareholders.
He added: “We look forward to continuing to keep you updated on these and our progress on all fronts in the coming months including securing the next stage of financing, coming to agreement with EASA on Full Certification Plan and signing further binding customer agreements.”