Lilium and Philjets sign MoU on eVTOL development in Southeast Asia

Lilium and Singapore-based PhilJets have agreed a deal including the purchase of up to 10 aircraft.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed at the Singapore Airshow, will also the two firms explore the establishment of an eVTOL operation network across the Philippines and other Southeast Asia countries, such as Cambodia. This includes the joint definition of routes, city pairs, and passenger demand. 

Thierry Tea, Chairman, PhilJets, said: “Our team is proud to collaborate with Lilium on the mission to transform the Philippines’ mobility with eVTOLs. With its growing economy, geography and important tourism industry, the Philippines is a great match to the Lilium Jet’s capabilities. Innovation in aviation is gaining traction among regulators, urban planners and

industry leaders of worldwide economies. Providing efficient connectivity to customers while reducing carbon emissions is a major focus for air transport operators such as PhilJets. We are also looking forward to bringing this technology into Cambodia and other countries in the region.”

Both companies will also identify potential sites, requirements and partners for landing infrastructure, including vertiport partners in the region, sharing vertiport specifications and access to Lilium’s network of charging hardware providers.

Sebastien Borel, chief commercial officer, Lilium, said: “Our strategic partnership with PhilJets will expand our footprint even further in Asia, bringing the Lilium Jet to Southeast Asia. The Philippines is well suited for eVTOLs to effectively connect thousands of islands together through sustainable and high-speed air mobility. Asia is a key market for Lilium — and with the unique topographical challenges this region presents, the innovative design of the Lilium Jet is uniquely suited to address them.”

PhilJets operates a fleet of 15 private jets and helicopters, with plans to expand further in the next three years. The firm currently operates both private and commercial flights, together with an affiliate maintenance services company supporting over 100 helicopters.