A rendering of the 7-Seater eVTOL jet which shows the 36 ducted fans. (Lilium)
Lilium announced a new partnership with Luxaviation Group to support its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations in Europe, the company announced in a May 20 press release.
“We are proud to be working alongside Luxaviation Group, a leading operator in the aviation sector with a track record in offering an innovative and customer-focused service, to build out the Lilium network in Europe,” Remo Gerber, chief operating officer at Lilium, said in a statement. “This marks a key milestone as we prepare for launch, and we look forward to working together to provide an exceptional airline service for our passengers.”
Through the partnership, Luxaviation Group will be responsible for airline operations of Lilium’s 7-Seater Jet including securing approvals and managing pilots, according to the release. The companies will also work together on the development of the customer experience on Lilium’s eVTOL. Lilium has planned its commercial launch for 2024.
“Electric vertical take-off 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,” Patrick Hansen, group CEO at Luxaviation Group, said in a statement.
The 7-Seater Jet is an updated version of Lilium’s 5-Seater aircraft and carries six passengers and one pilot. (Lilium)
Lilium released design architecture details for the 7-Seater Jet earlier this year. While it will have hover capabilities, Lilium focused on creating efficient cruise flight when designing the jet because of its intended use for regional air mobility connecting two different cities versus points within a city. It will have a range of 200 kilometers at speeds up to 300 kph and use forward canards, main wings, and a distributed propulsion system providing vectored thrust to fly.
“We are very pleased to have been selected by Lilium to be their partner in aircraft operations,” Christophe Lapierre, head of strategy of Luxaviation Group, said in a statement. “As an early believer in advanced air mobility, we look forward to bringing our experience and credentials to the partnership with Lilium and building out a service that will truly feel like a first of its kind.”