Electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), Lilium N.V. has completed the first systems power-on milestone of its Lilium Jet.
The successful test procedure on the first in-production Lilium Jet, MSN 1, represents a significant achievement on the path to first flight and certification. This test confirms that the aircraft is being built in accordance with Lilium’s platform design and the flight systems are functioning correctly.
At power-on, high-voltage (900 Volts) is applied to the aircraft and converted to supply the low-voltage electrical and avionics systems – including cockpit display, flight controls, communication, navigation, and surveillance systems. This milestone corresponds to the customary power-on acceptance test procedure used in conventional commercial aircraft manufacturing.
Stephen Vellacott, Lilium CTO, said: “Power-on is an important quality gate in the production process of any commercial aircraft. The two Lilium Jets now on our final assembly line, and those to come, will be conforming aircraft, built to the specifications of our design organisation, according to documented processes and in line with established aerospace procedures. When it comes to aircraft production, process control, repeatability, traceability, and above all safety is paramount. Achieving this first power-on milestone demonstrates that we’re on track.”
MSN 1 is due to become Lilium’s lab test aircraft, or “ironbird”.
It will be a fully functional aircraft and key asset for the certification program, being used to prove safety of flight and compliance with airworthiness requirements.
The second Lilium Jet, MSN 2, also currently in final assembly, is the first aircraft that Lilium intends to fly with a pilot on board in early 2025.
Production of MSN 3 fuselage is underway at the supplier. Lilium intends to fly a total of six test aircraft up to type-certification and entry into service, targeted for 2026.
In August this year, Lilium successfully completed the first phase of electrical integration testing at the company’s dedicated electrical power system lab (EPSL), a test rig that replicates the Lilium Jet’s full powertrain, from battery pack to engine, outside the aircraft in a controlled test environment.
Lilium has so far successfully tested several core electrical functionalities at the EPSL, including high voltage distribution, low voltage conversion and distribution, health reporting, and charging systems.
Lilium debuted the Lilium Jet to the U.S. market last month.
It is the world's first fully electric jet that can take off and land vertically.
The Lilium Jet is designed and optimised for regional travel with an aerodynamic shape and ducted electric fans that prioritise efficiency and speed during forward flight.
With an anticipated initial operating range of roughly 110 miles (177 kilometres), the Lilium Jet will be capable of quickly connecting Houstonians to the broader US region, with routes like Houston Hobby Airport to Galveston, Houston Spaceport to College Station, The Woodlands to Galveston, and others.
Galaxy FBO’s Houston-area facilities at Houston Hobby, Conroe North Houston Regional Airport, and The Woodlands Heliport will be key infrastructure for Lilium Jet operators in the Houston area.
Jeremy Gee, CEO of Galaxy FBO, said: “We are excited to transform Galaxy FBO into a cutting-edge hub for the eVTOL innovation. As the future of electric aviation takes flight, this marks a significant step in making Houston a leader in sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. Our team is proud to support Lilium's revolutionary mode of travel that will connect Greater Houston in ways never thought possible."
Houston-based EMCJET has secured production slots from Lilium as part of a broader partnership agreement and is poised to be involved in the first round of customer deliveries starting in 2026. Memo Montemayor, Founder & CEO of EMCJET, said, “Our clients want to own the future of aviation and, with our partnership with Lilium, they can do just that. With a spacious cabin, luxurious finishes, and vertical takeoff and landing capability, the Lilium Jet meets our clients’ needs to travel safely, sustainably, and comfortably.”
To showcase the transformative potential of the Lilium Jet and the broader electric aviation landscape, the Greater Houston Partnership, the region's largest chamber of commerce, is collaborating with Galaxy FBO and Lilium for an engaging discussion with policymakers and industry leaders.
Kevin Tipton, Senior Director for Aerospace & Aviation at the Greater Houston Partnership, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “Houston is home to the world’s leading aerospace companies, and we’re thrilled to welcome Lilium and this next generation of aviation technology. Together, we’re on the brink of something groundbreaking for our region.”
Matthew Broffman, Lilium’s VP of Commercial, Americas said, “Lilium is serious about expanding in the U.S. and actively progressing towards FAA validation. As part of our commitment to working with communities across the U.S. and expanding our customer base, we’re excited to showcase our aircraft for the first time in Houston, a city with a proud legacy of aerospace innovation in America.”
This month (Oct. 22-24), the Lilium Jet will be displayed at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.
As of today, Lilium NV (NASDAQ:LILM) stock was trading at US$0.5753, experiencing a significant decrease of 21.32% from the previous close of US$0.73121. The stock reached a day low of US$0.52 and a day high of US$0.625 in after-hours trading.