Lilium and Aciturri begin building eVTOL

Lilium has begun fuselage assembly for the Lilium Jet with the help of strategic partner Aciturri.

The aircraft, which remains on track for a first manned flight in late 2024, is being carried out at Aciturri’s facilities in Valladolid, Spain. According to Lilium, this is the first of seven fuselages for the seven aircraft the German eVTOL OEM will use to achieve type-certification of the eVTOL.

Yves Yemsi, chief operating officer, Lilium said: “We’re delighted to kick off assembly of the first Lilium Jet fuselage at Aciturri, bringing us one step closer to reshaping sustainable regional air mobility. We see this as further evidence that our approach of teaming with proven aerospace suppliers to bring our cutting edge eVTOL aircraft to market is the optimal strategy as we advance along a path to certification and entry into service of the Lilium Jet.”

Aciturri, a tier one airspace supplier, was the first company approved by Airbus to manufacture flying parts with this technology. It is also a key supplier to Deutsche Aircraft’s D328eco regional aircraft. As well as playing a significant part in building the Lilium Jet, Aciturri will support the Lilium Jet’s design optimisation and certification in the years ahead.

Once the Spanish firm has built the fuselage it will be to Lilium facilities in Wessling, Germany towards the end of this year. The first aircraft will be assembled before year-end, said Lilium.

Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, said: “This phase is more than just a technical step – it’s a clear signal to all Lilium stakeholders of our commitment to making regional air mobility more efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable. As we assemble the fuselage, we are also crafting a transformative flying experience while upholding our promise of unparalleled efficiency, comfort, and safety.”

Maria Eugenia Clemente, CEO of Aciturri Aerostructures added: “Aciturri is committed to playing a leading role in the transformation of sustainable regional air mobility, which supports Europe’s goal of achieving climate neutrality. We are fully aligned with Lilium’s vision and design, and we are delighted to have evolved our partnership to such a foundational stage towards the birth of the Lilium Jet.”