Charles Alcock

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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Atlantic FBOs Prepare To Support Lilium eVTOL Flights

The first propulsion systems for the Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft are expected to be completed during the second quarter of this year at the German manufacturer’s production line at Wessling. The company announced on Monday that it has established a dedicated propulsion unit assembly line with the support of automation and robotics systems specialist Schnaithmann Maschinebau.
The availability of the first propulsion systems allows Lilium to make progress in assembling the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-12-07/lilium-starts-evtol-final-assembly-and-partners-lufthansa">certification-conforming prototypes</a> it intends to start flight testing later this year. The company aims to achieve EASA type certification by the end of 2025 and start delivering the six-passenger aircraft in 2026. The first prototype is close to the final assembly stage with a second following close behind.
Last week, the Nasdaq stock exchange notified Lilium that it is not in compliance with the requirement to maintain a $1 minimum bid price for its shares for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. In a Securities and Exchange Commission <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1855756/000110465924027088/tm247011d1_6k.htm">6-K filing</a>, the company acknowledged that it has been given 180 calendar days, through August 20, to regain compliance with the listing rules. It may consider a reverse stock split of its Class A shares. At the close of trading on Tuesday, the company's shares were slightly up at 94 cents.
In financial results for 2023 published on Tuesday, Lilium reported its year-end unaudited liquidity as being €198 million ($218 million). During the second half of last year, the company reduced its cash spend to €150 million, which was markedly lower than the earlier guidance target of €170 million. For the first six months of 2024, it expects cash spend to be between €170 million and €180 million.
By comparison, rival eVTOL aircraft developer Archer Aviation earlier this week reported its liquidity as of the end of 2023 as being $625 million (including $464.6 million in cash and cash equivalents). It is expecting to spend up to $120 million in the first quarter of 2024 as it pushes to complete FAA type certification for its Midnight aircraft in time to start commercial operations in 2025.
<h3 class="subheading">Mulitple Partners Supply Propulsion Hardware</h3>
Several major subassemblies make up <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-09-27/lilium-starts-assembling-electric-propulsion-system-evtol-prototype">each propulsion system </a>and these are being delivered to Lilium by Honeywell and Denso (electric motors), Aeronamic (fans), and SKF (electric motor bearings). Each of the Lilium Jet’s 30 ducted electric motors installed in the wing and canard&nbsp;is designed to deliver a power density of 100 kilowatts from hardware weighing just over four kilograms (a little under nine pounds).
Schnaithmann Maschinebau has provided the jigs and tools for the propulsion and aerostructures production lines. The German company is also supporting Lilium with workflow design.
“We are delighted to be able to move forward towards production of our jet propulsion system,” said Jan Nowacki, Lilium’s senior vice president for manufacturing. “The electric jet engine is a unique, core Lilium technology, critical for aircraft performance and for which we have secured not only a team of highly qualified system suppliers but also important intellectual property. With the support of Schnaithmann, we look forward to implementing state-of-the-art manufacturing solutions capable of being scaled up and replicated for high-volume production.”
During 2023, Lilium <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-07-14/lilium-boosts-capital-base-raising-292-million-new-funding-round">raised $292 million</a> in additional capital from new and existing investors, including Earlybird Venture Capital, BIT Capital, and Frank Thelen. A letter to shareholders cited its strategic partnership and memorandum of understanding with Lufthansa as another key achievement of last year, along with sales agreements reached in <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-02-19/philippines-charter-flight-group-commits-operating-liliums-evtol-aircraft">Asia</a>, the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-13/middle-east-aircraft-dealer-orders-10-lilium-jets-dubai-airshow">Middle East</a>, and the U.S.
Lilium CFO Oliver Vogelgesang told an investors call on Tuesday that it received its first <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-12-06/pre-delivery-payments-lilium-evtol-aircraft-will-fund-crucial-development">pre-delivery payments</a> in 2023 and expects to bank more this year as customers firm up commitments made so far for up to 730 aircraft.&nbsp;He said the company is now in advanced stage discussions for further funding with several government agencies in Europe and the U.S., as well as with possible new strategic partners. Negotiations are also progressing with several large airlines interested&nbsp;
Last week, Lilium launched a service organization to support Lilium Jet operators. The Power-On business unit will handle battery management, maintenance, flight operations, training, and digital solutions. According to the German company, it is the first eVTOL manufacturer to establish a comprehensive customer service organization in a support market for its aircraft that it expects to be worth at least $5 billion by 2035.
“For Lilium, 2023 was a pivotal year in which we transitioned from design to production of the Lilium Jet, confirmed our credentials as an aviation company by receiving Design Organization Approval from EASA, and secured important airline and battery cell production partnerships,” Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe commented. “2024 will be another key year for our company with the next important milestone in our aircraft development program, and the first flight of the Lilium Jet, targeted for the end of the year.”

Managing Editor

Assembly of Lilium Jet Propulsion Systems Begins after Nasdaq Issues Share Price Warning

Jennifer Meszaros

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Star Charge will power Lilium Jet eVTOL operations

Lilium Orders 120 Chargers from Star Charge

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Philjets could operate the Lilium Jet in the Philippines and Cambodia

PhilJets To Operate 10 of Lilium's eVTOL Aircraft

Lilium has launched a service organization to support customers of its six-passenger eVTOL aircraft. The Power-On business unit will handle battery management, maintenance, flight operations, training, and digital solutions.
According to the German company, it is the first eVTOL manufacturer to establish a comprehensive customer service organization in a support market that it expects to be worth at least $5 billion by 2035. It has appointed aftermarket veteran Dominique Decard to run the profit center, capitalizing on his leadership experience with various European airlines. 
Decard joined Lilium in 2028 and is currently vice president of flight operations and customer service. He was previously director of flight operations at Lilium’s test site in Spain and will now report to the company’s chief commercial officer, Sebastien Borel.
The launch of Power-On follows other recent announcements by Lilium about how it will support operators of the Lilium Jet, which is expected to enter service in 2026. These include flight training alliances with <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2020-12-08/lufthansa-help-lilium-recruit-and-train-evtol-aircraft-flight-crew">Lufthansa Aviation Training </a>and FlightSafety International, digital aircraft health management services with Palantir, and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-01-31/lilium-announces-plans-parts-distribution-evtol-aircraft-operators">parts supplies with AJW Group</a>.
“As regional air mobility accelerates, our partners can rely on Lilium to provide a comprehensive aircraft manufacturer service organization,” said Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe. “The team is focused on enabling seamless, efficient services and support through premium aftermarket products and world-class partners.”
<h3 class="subheading">Star Charge Will Provide Universal Charging Systems</h3>
Lilium has also launched a partnership with Star Charge to develop electric charging systems using liquid-cooled cables. Lilium has ordered 120 of Star Charge’s units for its own use and for customers’ vertiports. The equipment is compatible with the industry’s Combined Charging Standard and so will apply to any eVTOL model.
Star Charge provides electric vehicle charging infrastructure and microgrid solutions. It operates in 20 countries with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Vietnam, and China.
“We are grateful to have received the first order of CCS chargers by a leading eVTOL manufacturer and look forward to commencing deliveries this year,” said Star Charge Europe CEO Ji Cheng.
<h3 class="subheading">Plans For eVTOL Air Services in Southeast Asia</h3>
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Earlier this week during the Singapore Airshow, Southeast Asian private aviation management and charter group PhilJets plans to add 10 of Lilium’s six-passenger eVTOL aircraft to its fleet. At the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday, the Philippines-based company signed a memorandum of understanding with the German manufacturer covering the provisional sales agreement and a partnership that will focus on defining routes and the market for an on-demand air taxi service.
The companies said they will identify potential locations for operating bases, as well as find partners to secure infrastructure and develop vertiports. They will also coordinate access to Lilium’s existing network of charging hardware providers for its aircraft, which has 30 ducted electric engines installed in the wing and canard.
According to Lilium, the Philippines, with its 7,500-plus islands, is well suited to eVTOL aircraft to provide new regional connections. The manufacturer, which is working to bring the Lilium Jet into commercial service in 2026, also sees the potential to establish eVTOL routes in Cambodia.
&nbsp;

Lilium Launches eVTOL Aircraft Customer Support Organization

Southeast Asian private aviation management and charter group PhilJets plans to add 10 of Lilium’s six-passenger eVTOL aircraft to its fleet. At the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday, the Philippines-based company signed a memorandum of understanding with the German manufacturer covering the provisional sales agreement and a partnership that will focus on defining routes and the market for an on-demand air taxi service.
The companies said they will identify potential locations for operating bases, as well as find partners to secure infrastructure and develop vertiports. They will also coordinate access to Lilium’s existing network of charging hardware providers for its aircraft, which has 30 ducted electric engines installed in the wing and canard.
According to Lilium, the Philippines, with its 7,500-plus islands, is well suited to eVTOL aircraft to provide new regional connections. The manufacturer, which is working to bring the Lilium Jet into commercial service in 2026, also sees the potential to establish eVTOL routes in Cambodia.
The <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-12-07/lilium-starts-evtol-final-assembly-and-partners-lufthansa">Lilium Jet </a>is expected to operate mainly on flights of up to 175 kilometers (109 miles) at speeds of up to 250 km/h. In addition to the standard model, Lilium is offering the more spacious Pioneer Edition with four seats in a cabin that can be partially customized to each client’s taste.
PhilJets, which currently operates 15 jets and helicopters, said that it plans further expansion over the next three years that could include neighboring countries. It operates a mix of private and charter flights and has a maintenance division that supports more than 100 rotorcraft.
Other plans to introduce eVTOL services to the Philippines and Cambodia are also being advanced under a new agreement between rival manufacturer Eve Air Mobility and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2024-02-19/singapore-private-aviation-group-yugo-teams-eve-air-mobility">Singapore-based private aviation group Yugo</a>. PhilJets is also involved with Yugo in this project.
“With its growing economy, geography, and important tourism industry, the Philippines is a great match to the Lilium Jet’s capabilities,” said PhilJets chairman Thierry Tea. “Innovation in aviation is gaining traction among regulators, urban planners, and industry leaders of worldwide economies.”

Philippines Charter Flight Group Commits To Operating Lilium's eVTOL Aircraft

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is to serve as the hub for Lilium’s planned eVTOL air services in central Florida. In an announcement on February 8, the European manufacturer said that operators of its six-passenger Lilium Jet will be able to use a new vertiport at the airport as a hub for flights across the state.
Lilium’s plans at MCO build on its 2020 announcement with the City of Orlando and the nearby <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2020-11-11/lilium-announces-plan-build-evtol-air-mobility-network-florida">Lake Nona community</a> that it intends to launch U.S. services in Florida. The company said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-12-22/airports-group-gears-demand-led-vertiport-development-plans">airports group Ferrovial</a>&nbsp;is its preferred partner for the vertiport project, but that the final decision as to who builds and operates the facility will be made by the airport's management team.
The company has expressed support for a bill currently proceeding through&nbsp;the state legislature to make the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority an officially designated test site for advanced air mobility services. Lilium’s <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-01-28/lilium-enlists-ferrovial-grow-its-air-mobility-network-across-florida">previously announced plans</a> envisage regional flights across a radius of around 185 miles to connect cities including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, and Fort Myers. Rival eVTOL aircraft developers <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-03-09/archer-confirms-miami-mobility-plans-recruits-uber-elevate-pioneers">Archer</a> and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-12-14/urbanx-launches-air-taxi-plan-miami-dade-county">Eve Air Mobility</a> have also announced plans to establish services in South Florida.
House Bill 981 is being proposed by State Reps. Doug Bankson (District 39) and Fiona McFarland (District 73), who is chair of the Florida House Transportation and Modals subcommittee. Supporters hope the precedent set for eVTOL infrastructure in the Orlando area will establish a blueprint for rolling out facilities in other communities.
“Building a vertiport at the major hub airport will ultimately enhance regional mobility by increasing passenger access and connectivity while allowing multiple operators to use the facility and share in the cost,” said Lilium’s chief commercial officer, Sebastien Borel. The Orlando area attracts approximately 80 million visitors each year. 
Germany-based Lilium is working toward&nbsp;achieving <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-11-27/easa-approves-lilium-design-organization-key-step-toward-evtol-aircraft">EASA</a> and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-06-27/faa-issues-g-1-certification-basis-liliums-evtol-aircraft">FAA type certification</a> in late 2025. Prospective U.S. operators for the Lilium Jet include fractional ownership provider <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-03-03/netjets-agrees-buy-and-operate-lilium-jet-evtol-private-owners">NetJets</a> and helicopter group <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-07-18/bristow-plans-lilium-jet-evtol-purchase-part-wider-partnership">Bristow</a>.

Orlando Confirmed as Hub for Lilium's Regional eVTOL Services in central Florida

Lilium has selected supply chain specialist AJW Group to manage and distribute spare parts for the <a href="https://futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-12-07/lilium-starts-evtol-final-assembly-and-partners-lufthansa">Lilium Jet</a>, a six-passenger eVTOL air taxi that the German manufacturer aims to bring into commercial service in 2026. The agreement announced this week makes Lilium the first eVTOL vehicle developer to publicly confirm how it plans to provide spares as part of maintenance, repair, and overhaul provision for operators.
As Lilium’s exclusive parts distributor, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/company/ajw-group">AJW Group</a> will provide logistics and asset management services to ensure that Lilium Jet operators around the world have the supplies they need to maintain and repair their fleets. AJW will play a key role in Lilium’s aftermarket services business, which will include training and other support functions for customers.&nbsp;
“This is a very important step as we advance towards our planned entry into service in 2026 and a major milestone in the development of our strategic and comprehensive support offerings for our customers,” said Lilium chief commercial officer Sebastien Borel. “AJW's proven world-class expertise in material management and exemplary warehouse and logistics services align seamlessly with our commitment to excellence.”
AJW supplies spare parts and repair services for a variety of commercial airplanes, including Airbus and Boeing airliners as well as Bombardier’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-02-07/ajw-takes-repair-management-bombardier">Learjet, Challenger, and Global business jets</a>. The company has headquarters in the UK and hubs all over the world, which makes it well poised to take on the task of managing Lilium’s global parts distribution network. Lilium holds provisional sales agreements with customers in Europe, the U.S., China, and the Middle East.
The Lilium Jet is a battery-powered aircraft with a unique propulsion system that uses electric ducted fans built into its wing and canard. It is designed to operate on routes of up to 175 kilometers (109 miles) at speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Lilium Announces Plans For Parts Distribution to eVTOL Aircraft Operators

German airports group Fraport has started working with Lilium to prepare ground infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft. The company operates Frankfurt Airport and 30 other international airports across four continents.
Announcing their partnership on January 10, Munich-based Lilium and Fraport said they will jointly focus on “exploration studies on infrastructure” and a regulatory action plan for Germany and other European Union countries. The companies have committed to engaging with industry groups and the German government to accelerate regulatory work, with requirements and safety standards for vertiports and other infrastructure still needing to be fully established.
According to Lilium, which seeks&nbsp;to bring its six-passenger Lilium Jet eVTOL vehicle into commercial service in 2026, Fraport will help it to define vertiport concepts, “especially at and around airports.” The partners have not confirmed whether they will jointly develop and invest in infrastructure, but Lilium indicated its work with Fraport will complement partnerships it has with airports in Stuttgart, Munich, Nuremberg, Cologne-Bonn, and Düsseldorf.
“In this collaborative endeavor, our focus is on examining the impact of eVTOLs on airport infrastructure,” said Alexander Laukenmann, Fraport’s senior executive vice president for aviation. “As a cutting-edge and environmentally sustainable prospect for regional aviation, eVTOLs possess the potential to address and develop new models of individual travel and mobility requirements in a sustainable manner in the years to come.”
The alliance with Fraport will build on studies Lilium has conducted with airports and air traffic control authorities to assess the feasibility of integrating eVTOL aircraft into regional air transport networks. The studies have focused on potential uses and routes, and challenges such as airspace integration. The <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-12-07/lilium-starts-evtol-final-assembly-and-partners-lufthansa">Lilium Jet</a>, which has 30 ducted fan electric engines in its wing and canard, is expected to operate on routes of up to 175 kilometers (109 miles) at speeds of 250 km/h. 
In 2021, Lilium announced an infrastructure development partnership with Ferrovial, an airports, highways, and rail group. This focused on plans for a <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-01-28/lilium-enlists-ferrovial-grow-its-air-mobility-network-across-florida">network of vertiports</a> across Florida, which the manufacturer views as a potential early market for eVTOL air services. It is not clear whether Lilium is still working with <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-12-22/airports-group-gears-demand-led-vertiport-development-plans">Ferrovial Vertiports</a>, which has since announced partnerships with rival aircraft developers, including Eve Air Mobility.
On January 9, Lilium reported that it had integrated the wing for its first full-scale Lilium Jet prototype with the fuselage. At its headquarters near Munich, the company is preparing to start flight testing the six-passenger model during 2024 as it works toward&nbsp;type certification in time for commercial operations to begin in 2026. The company says it will use <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-12-07/lilium-starts-evtol-final-assembly-and-partners-lufthansa">seven of the aircraft</a>, featuring 30 ducted fan electric engines installed in the wing and canard, to complete flight testing.

German Airports Group Works on Vertiport Plans with eVTOL Aircraft Developer Lilium

Lilium this week started producing a full-scale airframe of its six-passenger eVTOL vehicle, with the arrival of the first complete fuselage at its final assembly line at Wessling in Germany. The aircraft is the first of seven that will&nbsp;be used for the flight test campaign due to start in late 2024 for the EASA type certification campaign the company hopes will lead to service entry in 2026.
The first fuselage arrived in Germany from Valladolid, Spain, where Lilium’s program partner, Aciturri, is <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-09-19/lilium-and-aciturri-start-building-first-evtol-aircraft-certification">manufacturing the composite structures</a>. Other key suppliers, including <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-09-27/lilium-starts-assembling-electric-propulsion-system-evtol-prototype">electric propulsion system partners</a>&nbsp;Honeywell, Denso, Aerononamic, and SKF, as well as aerostructures specialist Aernnova, are ramping up production rates for the Lilium Jet’s parts and systems.
On Thursday, Lilium and German airline&nbsp;Lufthansa signed a memorandum of understanding covering a&nbsp;&nbsp;strategic partnership to explore commercial eVTOL aircraft operations in Europe. The partners will focus on areas including ground and flight operations, aircraft maintenance, crew requirements, and flight training. In the future, the collaboration may be widened to include other partners, such as airports, airspace integration specialists, and vertiport operators.
Lufthansa, which operates more than 700 airliners, is developing a long-term strategy to reduce carbon emissions. According to Lilium, there could be demand for around 9,200 eVTOL vehicles in Europe through 2035.
"Innovation is part of our DNA," commented Detlef Kayser,&nbsp;the Lufthansa board member responsible for fleet and technology. "The Lufthansa Group has been at the forefront of some of Europe's most important aviation initiatives, especially in the area of environmental sustainability. We are thrilled to explore opportunities for bringing eVTOL flights to Lufthansa Group customers."
<h3 class="subheading">First Lilium Jet Fuselage Takes Shape&nbsp;</h3>
In a December 6 announcement, Lilium said the next step will be for the first fuselage to be integrated with the canard and wings that also incorporate the aircraft’s 30 ducted electric engines. Lilium’s 175,000-sq-ft facility at Wessling in southern Germany houses the final assembly line, a propulsion and aerostructures area, and a testing and manufacturing hub.
On November 27, EASA issued Lilium its design organization approval, which is required as part of the certification process under the European agency’s SC-VTOL rules. The approval confirms that Lilium’s organization, procedures, and capabilities meet the safety and regulatory standards for the development of commercial aircraft under Part 21 rules. In June, the FAA issued Lilium its <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-06-27/faa-issues-g-1-certification-basis-liliums-evtol-aircraft">G-1 approval </a>as part of its type certification process.
“I’d like to pay tribute not only to all Lilians but also to the support and commitment of each of our suppliers and partners,” said Lilium COO Yves Yemsi. “The progress made in designing and building the fuselage, canard, and wings is a testament to the quality of collaboration with our aerostructures suppliers, Aciturri and Aernnova. This once again confirms that our approach of teaming with proven aerospace suppliers is the optimal strategy as we advance along a path to certification and entry into service of the Lilium Jet.”
The Lilium Jet is expected to operate flights of up to 175 kilometers (109 miles) at speeds of 250 km/h. The standard model will have six passenger seats, while the special <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-10-18/business-aviation-group-emc-jet-market-liliums-pioneer-edition-evtol">Pioneer Edition </a>will offer a more spacious four-seat cabin.
Lilium has already conducted flight testing on a smaller-scale technology demonstrator called the Phoenix 2 at the Atlas Flight Test Center in Spain. In September 2022, it achieved<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-09-28/lilium-reports-full-transition-flights-evtol-aircraft-technology"> full transition</a> between vertical and horizontal phases of flight.

Lilium

News

Atlantic FBOs Prepare To Support Lilium eVTOL Flights

Assembly of Lilium Jet Propulsion Systems Begins after Nasdaq Issues Share Price Warning

Lilium Orders 120 Chargers from Star Charge

PhilJets To Operate 10 of Lilium's eVTOL Aircraft

Lilium Launches eVTOL Aircraft Customer Support Organization

Philippines Charter Flight Group Commits To Operating Lilium's eVTOL Aircraft

Orlando Confirmed as Hub for Lilium's Regional eVTOL Services in central Florida

Lilium Announces Plans For Parts Distribution to eVTOL Aircraft Operators

German Airports Group Works on Vertiport Plans with eVTOL Aircraft Developer Lilium

Lilium Starts eVTOL Final Assembly and Partners with Lufthansa

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