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.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Industry concerned over possible extension of air passenger duty to more business aircraft

UK Plans 50% Tax Hike For Business Jet Charter Passengers

AmyWilder

Streamlines leasing options for businesses and individuals  

Jet Out Launches CJ4 Co-lease Program, Cost Calculator

Matt Thurber

Deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter

Portside Agrees To Buy Collins Flight Operations System

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Move comes one week after the German parliament blocked a loan guarantee application

Lilium Set To File For Insolvency Protection to Salvage eVTOL Aircraft

Jessica Reed

GJC exceeded $4 billion in aircraft financing originations since 2014

Global Jet Capital Marks 10 Years in Bizcraft Financing

Software will be integrated with all aspects of the company's spend management platform

MySky Extends Scheduling Software to Part 91 Operators

Sarah Rose

IADA chair cites "heightened activity over the past month"

IADA Reports Increasing Preowned Business Aircraft Transactions

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

In this article

Lilium

More In Finance, Taxes, Insurance