Lilium displayed its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the Lilium Jet, at NBAA-BACE Oct. 22-24. At the event, Sebastien Borel, the company’s chief commercial officer, said, “When you go after the general and business aviation market first, we actually simplify a lot of the issues, whether it's the airspace or the ground. Of course, on the ground, we could work with FBOs. There is existing infrastructure. We just have to have a charger." On that regard, Borel said Lilium is working with BETA Technologies on charging standards and that the two are aligned on infrastructure.
Out Of Money
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However, on Oct. 24, Lilium announced plans to file for insolvency under German bankruptcy law. The move allows the company’s management to continue leading the startup while a court-appointed supervisor looks for a buyer. The company’s stock has been trading for about $2 a share the past two years.
Controversial Design
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“Lilium’s design was always controversial within the tight-knit AAM industry, with many well-informed commentators observing that the ducted-fan Lilium Jet’s high disc load was many multiples that of its open-propeller competitors, owing to the aircraft’s heavy weight (3,000-kg compared to under 2,000-kg for Joby) and its 30 ducted fans. That higher disc load translates to high power consumption, lower efficiency and poor performance in hover,” writes Ben Goldstein, editor of the Advanced Air Mobility Report, published by Aviation Week Network.
Development Plan In Question
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In late September, Lilium said it planned the first piloted flight of the Lilium Jet in early 2025, with customer deliveries starting in 2026. Given its financial situation, this timeline is probably unrealistic.
As executive editor of MRO and business aviation, Lee Ann Shay directs Aviation Week's coverage of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), including Inside MRO, and business aviation, including BCA.
