Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet manufacturer Lilium aims to expand its industrial footprint outside of Germany, where its core manufacturing facilities are based.
The German manufacturer said it was in “advanced discussions” with the French government to add a mass production facility for the aircraft in France, citing it as an attractive market for its flagship Lilium jet. The company plans for the aircraft to enter service in 2026.
Lilium said it was considering several locations for manufacturing in the country, including the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, which it described as a “hotbed” for aerospace and battery production. The company estimates it will invest up to 400 million euros (about $432 million) in the site over several years and create as many as 850 jobs.
Lilium said site selection discussions and the possibility of French government subsidies and loan guarantees for the project were announced at the French Selection Summit in Versailles on Monday, with a conclusion to be reached “in the coming weeks.” It is said that he is expected to leave.
The company chose France because of the country's “established aerospace industry, expertise in electric mobility, highly skilled workforce, and supportive government environment.” The company added in a post on social media platform
In December, Lilium began producing the first prototype of the Lilium Jet on its final assembly line in Wessling, Germany. But the company plans to partner with private jet operator Globe Air to operate the aircraft around the world, including on the French Riviera.
Adding a manufacturing site in France would bring these operations closer to the company's service area, potentially simplifying its supply chain, for example. However, the French facility is intended to serve the global market, the company said.
Lilium announced on Monday that it has more than 780 binding orders and memorandums of understanding (MOU) agreements with operators for its flagship aircraft, which will be held at the European Aviation Business Conference and Exhibition in Geneva later this month. It is scheduled to be unveiled for the first time on EBACE.
The company's latest contract includes a firm order and options for 20 aircraft from U.S. airline UrbanLink Air Mobility, which will fly the aircraft from Lilium Vertiport in South Florida.
Do you like this story?I think you'll like it too Future FLYING Newsletter We will send it every Thursday afternoon. sign up now.
