2023 Lilium Year in Review
From critical milestones in our certification program and a watershed moment with the start of production, to rigorous testing and the development of strategic production and commercial partnerships globally, 2023 was another groundbreaking year for Lilium. Let’s take a look back at some of the highlights.
Certification on track
Significant strides were made in Lilium’s journey toward certification this year, leading to a huge moment in November when we received EASA Design Organization Approval. The award marks a major achievement making Lilium the only electric jet manufacturer in the world authorized to design and build compliant aircraft under EASA’s comprehensive SC-VTOL protocols for eVTOL aircraft.
Additionally, in June, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a G-1 Issue Paper for the Lilium Jet. This makes Lilium the sole eVTOL manufacturer with both EASA and FAA certification basis for a powered lift eVTOL aircraft. Once completed, dual certification of the Lilium Jet will enable entry into service in key markets globally, positioning Lilium at the forefront of the industry.
Start of Production
This year also saw the definitive shift from the design phase to industrialization of the Lilium Jet, supported by a team of world-class tier one suppliers each at the head of its own supply chain ramping up production of parts and systems for the Lilium Jet. Production of the Lilium Jet is taking place at Lilium’s state-of-the-art facilities in Germany, covering an area of 175,000 square-feet (16,250 sqm).
The first high voltage electrical harnesses for the Lilium Jet were completed in collaboration with GKN Aerospace and Rosenberger. Acting as the Lilium Jet’s main electrical arteries, the harnesses will distribute power from the aircraft batteries to the jet engines on the wings and canards.
In partnership with Customcells, Lilium has ramped up battery cell production of our high silicon content cells, with weekly deliveries from the Customcells production line in Tübingen, Germany. Delivering on our multiple-sourcing strategy for cell production, we also extended an existing partnership with InoBat for large-scale production of Lilium’s high-performance battery cells, supported by Inobat’s investor and partner Gotion High-Tech.
Lilium also teamed up with Michelin to start the development and serial production of bespoke tires exclusively designed for the Lilium Jet. We signed an agreement with DENSO, the Fortune 500 giant, for technical assistance in optimizing production at scale of the Lilium Jet’s revolutionary electric engine. In September, Lilium started assembly of the first Lilium Jet electric engine at Lilium HQ in Munich with the first build now completed.
Production began in earnest at the start of December when the first of seven fuselages, which are being produced at Aciturri’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Spain, arrived at Lilium’s assembly line in Germany. The seven aircraft will be used for the flight test campaign to achieve Type Certification of the Lilium Jet with EASA. You can catch a glimpse of this exciting moment in our behind-the-scenes video.
Testing underway
2023 began on a high with the Phoenix 2 demonstrator achieving cruise speed of 250 km/h; 155 mph confirming Lilium’s confidence in the flight physics and performance of the type-conforming aircraft. Revisit the video here.
Multiple testing campaigns were carried out on prototype Lilium Jet battery cells, demonstrating the remarkable energy capacity, power and cycle life of the cutting-edge cell technology. Watch the in-depth webinar on the topic, presented by Lilium’s Co-Founder and Chief Engineer for Innovation, Daniel Wiegand.
In September, Lilium launched a powered test campaign at Europe’s largest wind tunnel facility, testing on a complete 1 to 2.5 scale (40% size) Lilium Jet model, including working engines and flap actuators. With safety at the core of everything we do, Lilium partnered with the internationally recognized leader, FlightSafety International, to enable future pilots and mechanics to be qualified by FlightSafety International in their industry-leading training devices and simulators.
Expanding horizons
Lilium further expanded its reach this year by establishing a series of strategic commercial partnerships globally. To date, Lilium has garnered MOUs and firm orders for the purchase of up to ~745 Lilium Jets.
In the U.S., we made a pivotal deal with EMCJET, an industry-leading full-service aircraft brokerage and management company, making the Lilium Jet the first eVTOL available for private sale in the U.S.
In China, Bao’an District of Shenzhen municipality and Lilium partnered to launch a safe and sustainable eVTOL service, starting with the Greater Bay Area. Lilium will jointly develop eVTOL services with Heli-Eastern and CITIC Offshore Helicopter in the China region.
Venturing to the Middle East for the Dubai Airshow, we inked agreements with ArcosJet for the purchase of 10 Lilium Jets, and designated the Dubai-based aircraft broker as our authorized dealer for the region.
In Europe, Lilium announced a collaboration with ASL Group, establishing a sustainable, high-speed network connecting major hubs across Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Western Germany. Air Dynamic will operate and manage Lilium Jets for its customers in Switzerland and Italy, while UrbanV will develop vertiport infrastructure with an initial focus on Italy and the French Riviera. Finally, capping off a successful year for our commercial teams, Lilium signed an MoU agreement with Lufthansa for a strategic partnership to jointly shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility in Europe.
Of course, another highlight was holding thousands of conversations and dynamic exchanges around the future of sustainable air travel at conferences and events around the globe including (but definitely not limited to) EBACE, the Paris Air Show and the Dubai Air Show.
Successful capital raises
In July, we secured a capital raise for $192 million, supported by leading technology investors. Together with the $100 million raised in early May, it brought the total raised this year to $292 million, reaffirming investor trust in Lilium’s vision of revolutionizing regional air travel.
As we review this fantastic year, the team here extends our warm thanks for your ongoing support. Bridging 2023 and 2024, we are more focused than ever on the path to certification, moving onwards and upwards toward the Lilium Jet’s entry into service.
About Lilium
Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM) is creating a sustainable and accessible mode of high-speed, regional transportation for people and goods. Using the Lilium Jet, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions, Lilium is accelerating the decarbonization of air travel. Working with aerospace, technology, and infrastructure leaders, and with announced sales and indications of interest in Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, UK, United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lilium’s 800+ strong team includes approximately 450 aerospace engineers and a leadership team responsible for delivering some of the most successful aircraft in aviation history. Founded in 2015, Lilium’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Munich, Germany, with teams based across Europe and the U.S. To learn more, visit www.lilium.com.
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