Lilium is partnering with business aircraft operator Luxaviation to provide commercial operations with its seven-seat eVTOL aircraft in Europe from 2024. Under the terms of the contract announced today, Luxaviation will take responsibility for securing necessary regulatory approvals and managing pilots, who will train following an EASA-approved type rating concept developed by Lilium partner Lufthansa Aviation Training.
The German startup said that it chose the Luxembourg-based group because of its extensive experience in operating business jets and helicopters. Luxaviation manages hundreds of aircraft under 10 air operator certificates (AOCs) across Europe, giving it operational flexibility. The company was the first to secure the new EASA AOC approval for a business jet operation, which is valid across all 27 EU member states.
On a single charge, the all-electric Lilium Jet will have a projected range of up to 155 miles and fly at speeds of 175 mph. It has 36 tilting ducted fans installed in its wing and canard.
Lilium describes its planned service as an “airline” operation and says that flights will be scheduled. It has also announced plans to launch services in locations such as Florida and intends to partner with other local operators where necessary. The company also intends to launch networks in Germany through partnerships with Munich, Nuremberg, Dusseldorf, and Cologne/Bonn airports.
“Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft will fundamentally change the way we travel, and the Lilium network is poised to be at the forefront of this sea change in aviation,” commented Luxaviation Group CEO Patrick Hansen.
Targeted to complete EASA and FAA type certification in 2024, the design uses no tail, rudder, variable-pitch propellers, gearboxes, or oil circuits, and each motor has only one moving part. Lilium argues that the reduced number of components makes the aircraft safer and more affordable to operate.
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