Summary
– Lilium, an electric aircraft company, is expanding into high-volume production facilities in France
– The company is looking to receive government subsidies and loan guarantees for their expansion plans
– Lilium forecasts creating 850 new direct jobs in France through this expansion
– The company has built up an order log of over 780 Lilium Jets from operators worldwide
– Lilium is the only manufacturer with certification for eVTOL aircraft in both Europe and the United States
Article
Lilium, a top electric aircraft company, has recently received an order for 20 of its electric jets from US operator UrbanLink and is now looking to expand into “high-volume” production facilities in France. The company aims to leverage France’s aerospace heritage and supplier base to increase its production capacity. They are seeking government subsidies and loan guarantees for the expansion plans, which are expected to create 850 new direct jobs in France and boost exports.
Limited production of Lilium’s electric jet began last year at its headquarters near Munich, Germany. With plans for expansion in France, discussions are ongoing regarding the selection of possible production sites, including areas known for aerospace and battery production. The company sees France’s aerospace industry, expertise in electric mobility, skilled workforce, and supportive government environment as appealing factors for the expansion. An estimated investment of up to €400 million over several years could potentially lead to the creation of 850 new direct jobs.
Lilium, now 9 years old, is the only manufacturer worldwide with a certification basis for eVTOL aircraft in both Europe and the United States. With more than 780 Lilium Jets on the order books to date, including orders and agreements from operators worldwide, the company has built up a substantial order log. The question remains whether Lilium will be the first major mass manufacturer of electric jets in the eVTOL space, and positive signs are emerging as the company works with multiple Tier 1 suppliers and expands manufacturing operations in France.
While Lilium awaits government support for its expansion plans in France, the company is optimistic about the potential for growth and job creation in the aerospace industry. By partnering with established French players such as Saint-Gobain, Michelin, Expliseat, and Ratier-Figeac, Lilium aims to leverage France’s heritage and supplier base in aerospace and electrification. With ongoing discussions and evaluations of various potential sites in France, the company is positioning itself for expansion and increased production capacity.
Overall, Lilium’s move to expand into France represents a significant development in the electric aircraft industry. With a focus on increasing production capacity and creating new jobs, the company is showing signs of growth and potential to become a major player in the eVTOL space. By leveraging France’s aerospace expertise and supplier base, Lilium is positioning itself for success and could set the stage for further advancements in electric aviation technology. Stay tuned for updates on Lilium’s expansion plans and future developments in the electric aircraft sector.
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