German electric air taxi developer, Lilium, has announced a new customer in China, as Shenzhen Eastern General Aviation (Heli-Eastern) intends to order 100 Lilium jets. Heli-Eastern is a helicopter services provider operating in prominent areas of China, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regions. The agreement entails Heli-Eastern collaborating with Lilium to identify suitable locations and partners for Lilium’s vertiports and other ground infrastructure. Upon the type certification of the Lilium jet, Heli-Eastern will operate the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the region and provide crew and maintenance services.
While a binding order has not been signed yet, the intention of Heli-Eastern to purchase 100 Lilium jets holds significant potential, which may attract new investors for Lilium. In May, Lilium had announced a capital increase of $250 million, emphasizing the need for €226 million to sustain its operations until the first manned flight, scheduled for the first half of next year.
Lilium’s previous agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Saudia airline, signed last October, also mentioned a preliminary agreement for up to 100 Lilium jets, rather than a confirmed order. The addition of a new customer like Heli-Eastern, however, strengthens Lilium’s position and prospects.
In addition to the partnership with Heli-Eastern, Lilium revealed plans to establish a regional headquarters in Shenzhen city’s Bao’an district. The collaboration with the municipal authorities initially focuses on the Greater Bay Area Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao but includes long-term plans for expansion throughout China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
CEO of Lilium, Klaus Roewe, expressed enthusiasm about entering the Chinese market, acknowledging the significant opportunity it presents for the electric vertical take-off and landing industry. Roewe emphasized that China is projected to make up a substantial 25% of the market and expressed gratitude for the support and commitment offered by the Bao’an District. The introduction of fast, comfortable, and sustainable transport through Lilium’s eVTOL aircraft is expected to contribute significantly to the region’s development.
