The Lufthansa Group and Lilium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a strategic partnership on electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft operation in Europe.
“Innovation is part of our DNA,” said Dr Detlef Kayser, Member of the Lufthansa Group’s Executive Board, responsible for Fleet & Technology. “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.”
The companies want to explore innovation opportunities in aviation, discussing areas such as ground and flight operations, future aircraft maintenance, as well as crewing and flight training. In a possible strategic partnership, both companies also want to analyse the opportunities for collaboration with third parties like airports and regional partners, for instance on the advancement of infrastructure such as vertiports, airspace integration and the definition of required operation processes.
“We are delighted that the Lufthansa Group has decided to cooperate with us to jointly advance in the future of flying,” said Klaus Roewe, CEO, Lilium. “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.”
Production of the Lilium Jet has begun. According to Lilium’s internal projections, the European market is expected to account for a demand of around 9,200 eVTOL aircraft through 2035.
With a current fleet of over 700 commercial aircraft, the Lufthansa Group is pursuing a long-term fleet strategy aimed at cost-efficiency and reduced emissions. The Lufthansa Group aims to cut its net carbon emissions in half by 2030 on its path to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.
