Lilium Jet, an all, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, was envisioned as a revolutionary force in regional air mobility. Developed by German startup Lilium GmbH, it promised quiet, zero, emission flights to connect cities and suburbs at high speeds, slashing environmental impact. As of September 30, 2025, Lilium faces a critical juncture: the company filed for insolvency in February 2025 due to funding shortages and regulatory delays.
However, a Dutch, led consortium, the Ambitious Air Mobility Group (AAMG), is negotiating to acquire Lilium’s assets, intellectual property, and test facilities, with a potential initial investment of €250 million and up to €500 million more to achieve certification and commercialization. If successful, this revival could position the Lilium Jet to reshape transportation.
This guide explores the Lilium Jet’s design, history, current status, and potential to transform air mobility. From alleviating urban congestion to decarbonizing short, haul travel, we examine its possible influence on transportation ecosystems in 2025 and beyond, despite its uncertain path.
Background: The Vision Behind the Lilium Jet
Founded in 2015 by four engineers from the Technical University of Munich, Lilium aimed to create a fast, efficient, scalable eVTOL for regional routes of 20–300 km. Unlike drone, like multicopters, the Lilium Jet utilizes distributed electric propulsion with vectored thrust, enabling seamless vertical takeoff to forward flight transitions.
Early prototypes, such as the unmanned “Eagle” (2017) and the five, seat “Phoenix” (2019), validated the concept. Lilium went public via a SPAC merger in 2021, raising over $830 million and achieving a valuation of $3.3 billion. Partnerships with airlines like Saudia Group (50, jet order in 2024) and plans for vertiports in Florida fueled optimism for a 2025 commercial launch.
The Jet was designed for operator, led services, not individual ownership, functioning like an “air taxi” for underserved routes. It aimed to expand the “radius of life”—the daily accessible distance—by up to 25 times compared to cars.
Technical Specifications and Innovations
The Lilium Jet combines jet, like performance with the versatility of an eVTOL. Here are its key features:
| Feature | Specification | Notes |
| Capacity | 1 pilot + 6 passengers (configurable for four pax or cargo) | Spacious 3m cabin with business, class seating and large windows. |
| Dimensions | Wingspan: 13.5 m; Length: 11 m | Compact for urban vertiports (“Lilypads”). |
| Weight | Max Takeoff: 3,175 kg | Lightweight carbon fiber composite fuselage. |
| Propulsion | 36 ducted electric fans (30 motors) | Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) for redundancy; vectored thrust for VTOL, to, cruise. |
| Power Source | Lithium, ion batteries | Zero emissions; scalable with future battery tech. |
| Speed | Cruise: 250–280 km/h (155–175 mph); Max: 300 km/h (186 mph) | Reached 250 km/h in 2023 tests. |
| Range | 250–300 km (155–186 miles) | Up to 500 km with battery advancements; 3,000 m cruise altitude. |
| Noise | 6–7x quieter than helicopters | Ducted fans and acoustic liners reduce urban disturbance. |
| Safety | Redundant systems; DEP failover | Ballistic parachute; fixed tricycle landing gear. |
Innovations like canard wings for stability and the absence of exposed rotors make it quieter and more efficient than its competitors. In 2025, test flights in Germany carried passengers 175 miles at 175 mph, cutting carbon emissions by 90% compared to traditional jets.
Development Milestones and Current Status (as of September 2025)
Lilium’s journey saw rapid progress before hitting roadblocks:
- 2015–2019: Prototypes developed; over $100M raised; first human, crewed flight in 2019.
- 2020–2022: SPAC listing; wing transition tests in Spain (2022); 37 patents filed.
- 2023–2024: Fuselage assembly began; Saudia deal signed; EASA Design Organization Approval secured.
- Early 2025: Certified test flights; plans for Q3 manned trials and Q4 final certification.
Escalating costs (over €1B spent) and certification delays led to insolvency in February 2025, halting operations. Assets, including prototypes, IP, and the Oberpfaffenhofen facility, remain intact.
The AAMG, formed in August 2025, is bidding to acquire Lilium’s core assets for €20 million upfront, with an initial commitment of €250 million and an additional €500 million pledged for revival. By mid, September, AAMG signed a trust agreement with the administrator, but talks stalled over a bank guarantee. As of September 30, the deal is progressing, with plans to rehire over 200 staff, resume testing, and target EASA/FAA certification by 2027. Social media reflects cautious optimism, with some suggesting Tesla’s involvement to accelerate production.
Impact on the Future of Air Mobility
If revived, the Lilium Jet could transform air mobility across multiple dimensions.
Urban and Regional Connectivity
- Reducing Congestion: In cities like Munich or Orlando, Lilium Jets could bypass traffic, enabling 20, minute commutes over 100 km. Rooftop vertiports minimize land use.
- Regional Hubs: Serving underserved routes (city, to, suburb or inter, city), it expands access to jobs, healthcare, and tourism. Projections: 400 units produced annually by 2027, serving 1M+ passengers/year in Europe.
Environmental Sustainability
- Zero, Emissions Flight: Fully electric, it reduces CO2 emissions by 90% on short, haul flights compared to fossil, fuel jets or helicopters, aligning with the EU Green Deal’s net, zero goals by 2050.
- Noise and Efficiency: 60–70% quieter operations foster community acceptance; DEP improves battery efficiency by 20–30% over rotors.
Economic and Operational Shifts
- Cost Savings: 50% cheaper than helicopters per mile; fares rival premium ride, shares ($2–3/km). Revenue potential: 17x that of ground ride, hailing.
- Job Creation: Manufacturing and operations are expected to generate over 10,000 jobs in supply chains by 2030.
- Market Growth: The eVTOL sector is projected to reach $1T by 2040; Lilium’s regional focus sets it apart from urban, only competitors.
| Impact Area | Short, Term (2025–2027) | Long, Term (Beyond 2027) |
| Connectivity | Pilot services in Europe/US | Global networks; 50, seat variants |
| Environment | 90% emission cuts on test routes | Battery tech enables 500+ km range |
| Economy | €750M investment revival | $10B+ annual market share |
Challenges and Risks
Lilium’s story highlights eVTOL challenges:
- Funding and Insolvency: High burn rate outpaced revenue; SPAC hype led to overvaluation.
- Regulatory Barriers: EASA/FAA certification requires 1,000+ flight hours; bureaucratic delays persisted.
- Technical/Supply Chain: Battery density limits range; scaling production faces chip shortages.
- Market Adoption: Airspace integration, insurance, and public trust remain unproven.
AAMG’s bid faces scrutiny over funding proof, but success could set a precedent for rescuing distressed tech ventures.
Future Outlook: 2025 and Beyond
If AAMG finalizes the acquisition by Q4 2025, expect:
- 2026: Resumed testing; rehiring key teams; EASA type certification application.
- 2027: First deliveries; regional services in Germany/Netherlands; Saudia rollout.
- 2030+: Scaled production (400+/year); 16, and 50, seat hybrids; autonomous flight for cost parity with trains.
Broader implications: Lilium could drive eVTOL standardization, shaping policies for vertiport zoning and urban air mobility corridors. If it fails, it warns of overhyping unproven tech, shifting focus to competitors like Joby. Social media envisions electrified routes linking rural areas to urban centers, with one user noting, “Lilium Jet: A scalable path to clean, long, distance flight.”
Conclusion
The Lilium Jet’s journey from unicorn status to insolvency reflects the high, stakes eVTOL race. Its innovative design and proven technology offer a blueprint for sustainable air mobility. A successful AAMG acquisition could turn 2025’s challenges into 2030’s triumphs: quieter skies, greener travel, and seamless regional connectivity. Stakeholders must collaborate to ensure this vision takes flight. The future of air mobility remains within reach will the Lilium Jet soar again? Time will tell.
