German Flight Taxi developer postpones test flight
Lilium has to postpone the manned first flight of its Jet taxi. Due to delayed deliveries, the Jet will not take off this year. The company had to be comforted by a large order from Saudi Arabia.
The Bavarian flying taxi developer Lilium has to postpone the manned first flight of its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) jet. Instead of as planned at the end of this year, the Lilium Jet will now take off for the first time with a human passenger on board in Early 2025, the company announced in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich. The reason for the delay is delivery delays for test equipment, aircraft parts, and software. The first two aircraft are in the final assembly stage.
The plans to deliver the first flying taxi to a customer in 2026 have not changed, according to CEO Daniel Wiegand. "Our latest program review has confirmed our plan for first deliveries in 2026," he said. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification is still pending.
Meanwhile, Lilium is expecting a large order from the Saudi Arabian state airline Saudia. The customer had already signed a basic agreement for the purchase of 100 Lilium Jets 1.5 years ago. Now, Saudia is inviting Lilium to a press event at its headquarters on July 18, 2023, in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich. The airline promises "insights into the progress of aviation (...) and upcoming deals from Saudia." According to an insider, the goal is to convert the loose agreement with Lilium into a firm order for the vertical take-off and landing electric air taxis.
Lilium declined to comment on this. In an invitation from the company, it was stated that "an important contract signing" would take place at the event. Lilium is relying on customer deposits to finish developing its flying taxi.
The deal with Saudia would be one of the largest for the young company, which, according to its own statements, has received 780 firm orders and expressions of interest for the Jets. The Arabian airline announced in November 2022 that it plans to build a nationwide network of Lilium-taxi flights in Saudi Arabia. Before a firm agreement with Lilium can be reached, a feasibility study must be completed, and financial details must be agreed upon.
- Due to the large order from Saudi Arabia, the economy of Lilium, a Bavarian company specializing in aviation and aircraft construction, is expected to receive a significant boost with the potential sale of 100 Lilium Jets.
- Helicopters might not be the immediate focus for Lilium, as they are currently concentrating on delivering their VTOL jet, with plans for first deliveries to customers in 2026.
- As part of its strategy to expand its aviation operations, Saudi Arabia's state airline, Saudia, is showcasing its progress and upcoming deals at a press event, inviting Lilium to discuss the conversion of their previous agreement into a formal order for the Lilium Jets.
