- Lufthansa and Lilium forge an alliance to pioneer the future of advanced air mobility in Europe.
- Lufthansa and Lilium fly high with collaborative review of infrastructure, airspace, and more for future aerial endeavors.
- Pivotal preparations for safe and efficient electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft operations underway.
Skybound alliances: Lufthansa and Lilium’s journey into the future of eVTOL aviation in Europe
Lufthansa and Lilium, a leading electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) company, have formalised their intent to explore a strategic partnership for the deployment of eVTOLs across Europe. The collaboration is set in motion with the signing of a letter of intent by both entities.
This positive development comes just days after Lilium’s announcement marking the start of production for the Lilium Jet, a significant milestone in advancing sustainable aviation. Lilium’s internal projections indicate a projected demand of approximately 9,200 eVTOL aircraft in the European market by the year 2035.
Discussions between both companies will span across the realms of ground and flight operations, futuristic aircraft maintenance, crewing, and cutting-edge flight training. They’re also keen on shaking hands with external forces, from airports to regional partners, for a collaborative overhaul of infrastructure, including vertiports, airspace integration, and the redefinition of operational processes.
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, commented:
“We are delighted that the Lufthansa Group has decided to cooperate with us to jointly advance in the future of flying. 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 on bringing eVTOL flights to Lufthansa Group customers.”
Operating a substantial fleet of more than 700 commercial aircraft, the Lufthansa Group is actively pursuing a strategic approach for long-term fleet management, emphasising cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability. The group’s latest additions to its aircraft lineup boast up to 30 percent lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions compared to their predecessors. With a commitment to environmental responsibility, the Lufthansa Group aims to achieve a 50 percent reduction in net carbon emissions by 2030, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Dr. Detlef Kayser, Member of the Lufthansa Group’s Executive Board, responsible for Fleet & Technology, said:
“Innovation is part of our DNA. The Lufthansa Group aspires to be a global leader in the integration of state-of-the-art products and processes. We want to develop aviation further and drive the transformation of the industry. This Memorandum of Understanding with Lilium will make an important contribution to this. Only with innovation, courage and determination can we, as an industry, make aviation more sustainable and master the challenges of the future.”
Lufthansa and Lilium’s strategic partnership signals a transformative leap into the future of eVTOL aviation in Europe. With Lilium’s groundbreaking production of the Lilium Jet now in motion and a projected demand of 9,200 eVTOL aircraft by 2035, the collaboration extends beyond operational discussions. Lufthansa’s commitment to sustainability aligns seamlessly with Lilium’s vision, aiming to reshape not only air travel but also infrastructure and operational processes. This visionary alliance sets the stage for an exciting eVTOL future for Lufthansa Group customers and beyond.
