eVTOL aircraft developer Lilium plans to build a €400 million (US$430 million) factory in France.
The Germany-based company is in advanced discussions with the French Government about subsidies and loan guarantees and has shortlisted several sites including one in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. It expects to make a final selection during the coming weeks.
The manufacturing site will expand the “high-volume manufacturing capacity” for the Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft and create up to 850 new jobs, the company said.
The Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft will be able to carry five passengers, with a planned range 250km (155 miles) and a cruise speed of 280km/h (175mph) at an altitude of up to 10,000ft. The first manned test flight is expected to take place in late 2024 and type Certification with EASA is earmarked for late 2025.
Initial production of the Lilium Jet began in December 2024 at the company’s headquarters near Munich, Germany. Entry into service of the Lilium Jet is planned for 2026 and the company is planning to scale up production to meet expected demand.
The company has an order pipeline of more than 780 Lilium Jets, including binding orders and MoU agreements from operators around the world. The vast majority of produced Jets would serve other countries
Lilium is currently working with Tier 1 suppliers including French companies such Saint-Gobain, Michelin, Expliseat and Ratier-Figeac.
