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

Lilium says the seats for its six-passenger eVTOL vehicle will be around 35 percent lighter than those in existing aircraft under an agreement announced this week with French manufacturer Expliseat. The partners have yet to reveal the actual weight of the cabin and cockpit seats but maintain that significant weight savings will be achieved by using a new ultralight frame, a new cushion design, and improved ergonomics.
Paris-based Expliseat will use lightweight materials&nbsp;such as carbon fiber and titanium&nbsp;in place of aluminum, which is currently used to produce many aircraft seats. The lightness of the frame means that comfort levels can be maintained by adding additional cushioning.
According to <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-06-07/lilium-step-evtol-program-expenditure-under-new-ceo-klaus-roewe">Lilium</a>, the weight savings will make a significant contribution to the all-electric Lilium Jet’s promised energy efficiency. As part of efforts to make the eVTOL model as environmentally sustainable as possible, Expliseat will use recycled composite materials for the seat structures.
“Lilium’s selection of Expliseat is a testimony to our technological advances and to the efficient balance offered by the [titanium-based] TiSeat between weight saving and extra comfort,” said Expliseat CEO Amaury Barberot. “We are proud to develop one of the first serially produced eVTOL seats in history, compliant with the specific safety standards applicable to the industry, and to contribute to Lilium’s pioneering development.”
Lilium is working to achieve <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-03-31/lilium-pushes-projected-evtol-aircraft-type-certification-2025">type certification</a> in 2025, which is around 12 months later than had been initially targeted. The aircraft&nbsp;will be able to travel up to around 155 miles at speeds of 175 mph.
The German company intends to offer a four-seat version of the Lilium Jet with a more comfortable cabin for private owners or <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-03-03/netjets-agrees-buy-and-operate-lilium-jet-evtol-private-owners">executive charter</a> firms. In the longer term, it plans to scale up the design to produce a larger version that could have up to 15 seats.
“The Lilium Jet uses cutting-edge technology, so it’s only right that we have the best partners who also challenge the way things are done,” said Martin Schuebel, Lilium’s senior vice president for procurement. “Expliseat’s expertise with lightweight and durable materials will help us reach weight and distance targets for commercialization while ensuring a premium passenger experience.”
Expliseat produces seats for aircraft manufacturers including Airbus, ATR, Comac, and Dassault Aviation.
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Charles Alcock

The initial version of Lilium's eVTOL aircraft will seat up to six passengers but later models could have up to 15 seats. (Image: Lilium)

Lilium Looks to New Seats for Big Weight Reduction in eVTOL Aircraft

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