Lilium reports progress on Lilium Jet’s commercial and test programmes amid financial restructuring

German electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, Lilium, is making steady progress in its commercial and technological programmes, despite undergoing preliminary insolvency proceedings.

The company recently confirmed that the restructuring, led by KPMG’s M&A team, remains on track, with an open and transparent process underway to secure its financial stability.

These proceedings, conducted under self-administration, aim to preserve the business while management continues to oversee operations, supported by restructuring experts.

New orders

In addition to restructuring efforts, Lilium has strengthened its commercial momentum with a new binding sales agreement with executive eVTOL operator, The Ambitious Group (AAMG).

The agreement consists of the purchase of eight Lilium Jets, with an option for six additional aircraft.

However, the order’s implementation is contingent on the company successfully completing its financial restructuring.

Lilium’s order book now comprises 108 firm orders and reservations, 82 options, and nearly 600 aircraft under memorandums of understanding (MOUs).

However, as part of the restructuring process, ASL Group has cancelled its reservation of six Lilium Jet deliveries. Both parties have expressed interest in revisiting discussions once the company achieves financial stability.

Technological advances continue

Amid financial restructuring, Lilium’s technological development remains robust, with several key milestones achieved in recent months.

In November, the company completed a critical landing gear drop test, a key milestone for the safety and certification of its Lilium Jet and a crucial step towards achieving manned flight certification. 

Additionally, it reported progress in testing the Lilium Jet’s ducted fan technology, with several engines now built and undergoing parallel testing. 

These engines have already accumulated several hours of cruise speed runtime, collecting around 10,000 data points per second.

The company has also tested the propulsion vectoring system, including the servo actuator and servo control unit, and conducted initial in-house trials of an engine blade detachment event, using a representative Lilium Jet propulsion mounting system and e-motor.

Moreover, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has completed its second regular Design Organisation Approval (DOA) audit of Lilium, confirming the company’s adherence to regulatory compliance.

Enhancing flight operations software

To further enhance its operations, Lilium has partnered with UK-based aviation software specialist myairops. 

The partnership aims to develop a tailored software solution for flight and maintenance operations, building on a collaboration that began in 2022. 

This allows the company to offer specialised software solutions to purchasers of the Lilium Jet.