Lufthansa enters the AAM scene through MoU with Lilium

It is not a definitive agreement but just a Memorandum of Understanding, but Lufthansa has taken the first step towards Advanced Air Mobility. The carrier has signed an MoU with German AAM-maker Lilium to explore eVTOL operations. Not just in Germany, but in Europe, the two companies said on Thursday.

The MoU should result in a strategic partnership for the operation of Lilium aircraft, but also maintenance and flight training. All three disciplines are well-established within Lufthansa Group, although eVTOLs will require a new approach. The partnership is also open to third parties like airports and regional partners for the development of vertiports.

Lilium has signed agreements

for an undisclosed number of its four to six-seater Jet aircraft, of which the first has recently entered final assembly at its Munich plant. The first flight is planned for early 2024, and the first manned flight late next year, leading towards certification in 2025. Lilium’s backlog includes customers like NetJets, Bristow, Globeair, eVolare, but also airlines like Saudia and Azul. Lufthansa would be the first major airline in Europe to enter the AAM scene, although Airbus has an agreement with ITA Airways for the CityAirbus NextGen.