Lilium said strong interest from private buyers to own or use a Lilium Jet has led the eVTOL developer to create new channels to offer its Jets to private individuals — either through a direct sale or a fractional ownership program.
“We believe that the private and business professional segments will be highly attractive markets in the future and, likewise, early adopters of the eVTOL revolution,” said Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and CEO of Lilium, in a statement today.
The German startup announced to shareholders last week that through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NetJets, the private jet company can purchase up to 150 Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft for its fractional ownership program. The aircraft will now be offered as a premium four-passenger “club cabin” for private individuals or business professionals.
As long as the companies finalize the terms of the agreement, the MOU includes arrangements for Lilium to sell its aircraft directly to private individuals and have them operated by NetJets or its affiliates. The companies are also exploring a business model for Lilium’s planned network in Florida with Ferrovial, as well as other regions in the U.S. and Europe, where NetJets or its affiliates will potentially be the flight operator for those shuttle flights.
“We’re delighted to partner with Lilium’s experienced team to provide sustainable flight services to our customers,” said Adam Johnson, CEO of NetJets. “Lilium’s aircraft will expand our fleet options and provide our customers with a new and flexible means of private air travel.”
Meanwhile, Lilium is also partnering with FlightSafety International, which will see the aviation training company provide courseware, flight simulator training devices, and crew training to support Lilium Jet operations.
“Our focus on technology and adaptive learning will help prepare aviation professionals with the highest levels of expertise to support operation of the Lilium Jet,” said Brad Thress, president and CEO of FlightSafety International.
Is it ethical to sell an evtol aircraft before even doing a full transition from hover to wing-borne flight whilst Lilium is trying to do this for the last three years?
Progress is not made without some risks.
Great progress
Good point Sam. Been asking this same question for over three years now, to no avail. No where have I viewed full transition from vertical flight to full horizontal without a degree of vertical component.
@Pepperjet & Sam
Lilium indeed requires a better marketing team including videos showing test flights
Im always left thinking the company is no where near their certification levels compared to Ehang or Joby
To tell the truth, it is really cool that Lilium Jet has led the eVTOL developer to create new channels to offer its Jets to private individuals because, from my point of view, it is a great breakthrough for the company and expanding opportunities both for the clients and for Lilium. I think that these innovations will help this company to reach a new level and surpass its rivals because it gives Lilium a huge advantage over them. I really like the fact that people will be provided with flexible and convenient ways to implement private flights because, doubtlessly, it will strengthen the customer base and increase it. Also, I think that by targeting private buyers interested in purchasing its eVTOL aircraft, Lilium boosts client orientation and develops new effective strategies for successful business activity.
Lillium clearly shows successful transition from hover mode to horizontal flight in test; how can anyone say, or assume differently?
Lilium has recommenced flight testing of its five-seat eVTOL technology campaigner as it boosts work to finish off the design for the seven-seat Lilium Jet it aims to bring into commercial facility by the end of 2024. The aircraft now being glided from the German company’s base near Munich comprises of design changes amalgamated after an earlier demonstrator model was ruined last year in a fire ensuing from thermal runaway following the setting up of battery modules. The up gradation on development work was part of a demonstration made to the investment community during a Capital Markets Day event shown by Lilium on August 2. Slides had displayed included an upgraded program timeline, which displays type certification being completed during the third quarter of 2024. Design work is ascribed to continue until around the middle of next year, at which point production and ground examining work will start, chase up around the end of the first quarter of 2023 by flight testing of a production-compliant Lilium Jet.