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.

The Dubai-based Ambitious Air Mobility Group (AAMG) has firmed up an order for eight Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft. The company, which is a joint venture involving business aviation services group Luxaviation, Sigma Air Mobility, and The Ambitious Group, on December 5 confirmed it had signed a contract that also covers options for six more of the six-passenger aircraft.
The deal, which builds on an earlier letter of intent signed in March 2024, firms up AAMG’s plans to launch eVTOL air services in Amsterdam and Marbella in Spain. It was concluded while accountancy group KPMG is still seeking new buyers for Germany-based Lilium, which is operating under insolvency protection after failing to secure federal and state loans.
According to Lilium, it now holds 108 firm orders and reservations for the Lilium Jet. Additionally, prospective customers hold 82 options, with almost another 600 of the all-electric aircraft covered by memorandum of understanding agreements.
AAMG’s initial plans are focused on operating eVTOL flights in Southern Spain, Morocco, and Europe’s Benelux countries. The second phase of its business plan envisages the launch of a charter flight network in the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
<h2>Flight Test Preparation Continues</h2>
Lilium said its engineering team is still preparing to start flight testing with the first of three full-scale prototypes in 2025 as it aims to complete EASA type certification in 2026. The most recent ground test involved a successful landing gear drop, which was conducted by partner MA Group in Naples, Italy, and is eligible as a certification credit.
Further ducted fan engines for the Lilium Jet are being built and tested in preparation for flight testing. Early powerplant units have already logged several hours of cruise flight speed runtime in a process that collects around 10,000 data points per second.
Lilium said it has tested the propulsion vectoring system, including the servo actuator and servo control unit. Trials have also involved an engine blade detachment event using a sample Lilium Jet propulsion mounting system and one of the 30 electric motors that are used to power each aircraft.
EASA recently conducted a second, routine audit to maintain Lilium’s design organization approval. The company is now implementing software to be used for managing flights and aircraft maintenance, based on work that started with Myairops in 2022. This software will be available to Lilium’s customers.

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Lilium

Luxaviation Management Company S.A.

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