Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Read the latest news about German eVTOL developer Lilium.

Lilium’s board of directors is urgently reassessing funding options after the eVTOL aircraft developer was denied a €50 million ($54 million) loan guarantee from the German federal government. The loan was blocked by the budget committee of the German parliament in a meeting held in Berlin on Thursday.
In a 6-K filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1855756/000110465924109435/tm2426372d1_6k.htm">Securities and Exchange Commission</a>, Lilium reported that the loan had not been approved. The Munich-based company said it is continuing discussions with the Bavarian state government over a related loan guarantee “of at least €50 million.” Previous reports have indicated that the state loan is contingent on the federal loan being approved.
Lilium, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has already raised around $1.5 billion in private sector investment. The company has reported multiple provisional sales agreements for its four- and six-passenger Lilium Jets with operators including airlines and private aviation companies.
On October 1, Lilium reported it had powered up its first full-scale prototype, which is being used to make final preparations for flight testing to begin with a second prototype in early 2025. The company aims to complete EASA type certification and start deliveries in 2026.
According to sources close to the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-10-15/lilium-faces-political-block-government-loan-guarantees">Bundestag’s budget committee meeting</a>, the German Green Party representative Paula Piechotta led opposition to the loan and blocked a vote being taken. Parliamentarians from the SPD, FDP, and CDU/CSU parties were reportedly in favor.
Lilium has previously confirmed talks with the French government around plans to relocate manufacturing of the aircraft to France.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

German Parliament Blocks Loan Guarantee For Lilium's eVTOL Aircraft

Company's board of directors are now considering funding options

German eVTOL aircraft developer Lilium is urgently considering its next steps after it was denied a €50 million federal government loan guarantee on Thursday.

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