German airline Deutsche Lufthansa AG has announced that it has formed an operational alliance with flying taxi manufacturer Lilium NV. This move strengthens Lufthansa's ties to the German startup as the airline industry explores opportunities to incorporate electric-powered aircraft into their services.
The memorandum of understanding between Lufthansa and Lilium covers various aspects, including flight operations, aircraft maintenance, and crewing for Lilium's six-passenger electric-powered crafts. Unlike traditional rotor-driven designs, Lilium's aircraft are propelled by battery-powered jets. Additionally, the companies will collaborate on airspace integration, vertiport infrastructure, and work closely with airports across Europe, according to the statement issued by Lufthansa on Thursday.
This agreement follows a previous partnership established in 2020, which focused on Lufthansa's assistance in training and qualifying pilots to operate the Lilium Jet. The latest collaboration allows Lilium to explore the possibility of offering flights to Lufthansa customers, further expanding the potential reach of their innovative aircraft, as stated by Klaus Roewe, the CEO of Lilium.
Lilium made another exciting announcement this week, revealing that production of the Lilium Jet has begun at their facility in Wessling, Germany. This marks a significant milestone in the company's journey towards making electric aviation a reality.
Lufthansa's partnership with Lilium reflects a broader trend within the airline industry, as major carriers seek early connections with manufacturers of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This new class of aircraft, which includes Lilium's jet and similar designs, has the potential to revolutionize short-distance air travel, particularly in urban areas.
Delta Air Lines, for example, invested $60 million in Joby Aviation last year, with the goal of utilizing the electric jet maker's planes for transportation to and from airports in New York and Los Angeles. Similarly, Lilium's competitor, Volocopter GmbH, forged a partnership with Japan Airlines in 2020. More recently, private heliport operator Air Chateau International committed to purchasing up to 100 of Archer Aviation's Midnight eVTOL aircraft.
As the world moves towards sustainable transportation solutions, the collaboration between Lufthansa and Lilium highlights the industry's commitment to exploring and adopting electric aviation technologies. With strategic partnerships and groundbreaking innovations like the Lilium Jet, the vision of flying taxis may soon become a reality, transforming the way people travel in the not-so-distant future.