In this episode we talk to Daniel Wiegand, Co-founder & Chief Engineer for Innovation and Future Programmes at Lilium. He shares Lilium’s vision to revolutionise regional air mobility by building the world’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet.

While most eVTOLs are seen as advanced versions of helicopters, Lilium Jet’s unique design allows for passengers to be transported using vertical takeoff and landing, and then proceed with what they’re terming “jet propulsion” for travel. The company expects its first eVTOL jet to enter commercial service by the end of 2025.

Speaking about the future, Wiegand mentions that commercial operations are likely to start post certification in 2025, targeting the premium segment. He concludes by discussing their collaboration strategy, combining aerospace precision with automotive scalability, and how their carefully nurtured partnerships support a joint vision of sustainable aviation.

Please note: This interview was recorded in April 2023. By the time of the episode release,  Lilium had completed its fourth and final Design Organization Approval by EASA, and had raised additional funding bringing the total raised this year to $292 million. 

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder at Archer Aviation; Bonny Simi, Joby Aviation’s Head of Air Operations and People; and André Stein, Chief Strategy Officer at Eve Air Mobility.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

The extraordinary batteries Lilium will use for its odd eVTOL approach - New Atlas
Honeywell and DENSO are developing a motor for Lilium’s eVTOL aircraft - Avionics International
Lilium partners with Ferrovial to build network of 10+ vertiports in Florida - Vertical Mag
Why eVTOLS will change the way we live, travel and spend time - SimpliFlying
Joby wants to alleviate the pain and frustration of getting from home to your airline seat - SimpliFlying 
Lilium completes final audit in major step towards achieving EASA Design Organization Approval - Lilium