Lilium has officially introduced its electric aerial vehicle (EAV) to the U.S. market with a showcase at Houston’s Hobby Airport. The introduction is being facilitated by EMCJET, a Houston-based aircraft brokerage firm, which plans to feature the jet at Galaxy FBO (fixed base operator) locations, including Houston Hobby Airport, Conroe North Houston Regional Airport, and The Woodlands Heliport.
The Lilium eVTOL jet boasts an operating range of approximately 110 miles, with capabilities to connect key routes such as Houston Hobby Airport to Galveston, Houston Spaceport to College Station, and The Woodlands to Galveston. EMCJET has established a broad partnership with Lilium, securing production slots for the EAVs, with the first deliveries anticipated for 2026.
“Our clients want to own the future of aviation and, with our partnership with Lilium, they can do just that,” said Memo Montemayor, founder and CEO of EMCJET. “With a spacious cabin, luxurious finishes and vertical takeoff and landing capability, the Lilium Jet meets our clients’ needs to travel safely, sustainably, and comfortably.”
Distinct from many other EAVs, the Lilium craft is designed as a jet. The seven-seater vehicles are intended for regional air mobility, capable of connecting cities and towns situated up to 125 miles apart at speeds of up to 185 mph. Featuring forward canards, main wings, and a distributed propulsion system with fixed landing gear, the Lilium jet represents a significant advancement in air mobility technology.
Lilium is actively pursuing numerous partnerships as it moves toward anticipated test flights in 2025. “Lilium is serious about expanding in the U.S. and actively progressing towards FAA validation,” stated Matthew Broffman, vice president of Commercial, Americas at Lilium. “As part of our commitment to working with communities across the U.S. and expanding our customer base, we’re excited to showcase our aircraft for the first time in Houston, a city with a proud legacy of aerospace innovation in America.”
In addition to the U.S. launch, Lilium has secured an agreement to deliver up to 100 electric jets to Saudia Group, scheduled for 2026. This deal includes an initial delivery of 50 jets, with an option for an additional 50. The company also announced the sale of four jets to Volare Aviation’s subsidiary, eVolare, which plans to connect London with surrounding cities and coastal areas.
Lilium’s order pipeline has now reached 106 firm orders and reservations, along with 76 options and 600 aircraft under early agreements. The company is also collaborating with a vertiport operator and an airport management company to establish a vertiport network in the French Riviera, aiming to launch electric jet flights in 2026.
Additionally, Lilium has announced plans for an advanced test facility at its Munich headquarters to test integrated EAV systems, including avionics and propulsion. The EAV’s design allows for a hover capability using 36 electric ducted fans for takeoff and landing phases, enabling the majority of flight time to be spent in cruise mode.
The company has also partnered with the Lufthansa Group to explore various aviation opportunities, including maintenance and flight training in Europe, while working with PhilJets to develop advanced air mobility services in the Philippines.
