eVTOL developer Lilium has announced an agreement with Shenzhen Eastern General Aviation (Heli-Eastern), a major low-altitude general aviation carrier and helicopter service provider in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in China.
Under the agreement, Heli-Eastern, which operates across the Greater Bay Area, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Areas, intends to order 100 Lilium Jets.
In addition, the agreement contemplates that Heli-Eastern will partner with Lilium to identify potential sites and partners for Lilium’s vertiports and other ground infrastructure.
Upon type-certification of the Lilium Jet, Heli-Eastern will operate the aircraft in the region and provide crewing and maintenance services.
The news follows the announcement of Lilium signing an MOU with the Bao’an District of Shenzhen municipality for the opening of a Lilium regional headquarters to represent the company in China and the Asia-Pacific region for Lilium Jet sales, services, and support.
Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe said, “We are excited about Lilium’s expansion into China with such well-established local partners like Heli-Eastern. We see significant potential for Lilium’s eVTOL network in the Greater Bay Area, both to reach this important premium market, as well as to offer the sustainable, time-saving benefits of the Lilium Jet to as many people as possible.”
Zhao Qi, chairman of Heli-Eastern said, “By partnering with Lilium, we are bringing the future of sustainable air mobility to China. With Lilium’s premium cabin design and innovative electric jet technology, our customers can travel throughout the Greater Bay Area and beyond quickly and sustainably.”
