Lilium shifting focus to France as it seeks capital for production ramp up

Lilium is in advanced talks with the French government on potential subsidies and loan guarantees worth up to €400m as it seeks to expand production capacity in the country.

Alongside fellow German eVTOL developer Volocopter, Lilium has publicly shared its difficulties in securing loan guarantees at state level from the German government. Late last year the OEM applied for state guarantees of up to €100m in its home region of Bavaria but has so far received no positive response. 

Following an announcement today at the Choose France Summit in Versailles, it has now been revealed that Lilium is in talks with the French government. The firm said it is currently evaluating several possible sites in France, including in Nouvelle Aquitaine. Discussions are expected to reach conclusion in the coming weeks. 

France’s well-established aerospace industry, expertise in electric mobility, skilled workforce and supportive government environment are the big selling points as to why Lilium has been attracted to the country, it said. With an estimated total future investment of up to €400m over several years, Lilium could create up to 850 new direct jobs.

Initial production of the Lilium Jet began in 2023 at Lilium’s headquarter site close to Munich, Germany. With entry into service of the Lilium Jet planned for 2026, Lilium is preparing for larger scale production to meet expected demand. The firm has an order pipeline consisting of over 780 Lilium Jets including binding orders and memorandum of understanding agreements from operators in the US, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.