German electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developer Lilium has announced the opening of its regional headquarters for the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) in Shenzhen, China. The move is part of Lilium’s strategy to introduce its air taxis to the region as soon as they are market-ready.
Lilium has signed a cooperation agreement with the Bao’an district in Shenzhen to establish its regional headquarters. Through this partnership, Lilium aims to actively participate in the region’s low-flying economy and build relationships with local infrastructure partners, customers, and regulators.
Initially, the focus will be on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao metropolitan area, home to over 85 million people. However, Lilium plans to expand its presence throughout China and the wider Asia-Pacific region in the future.
The regional headquarters will be located in the Bao’an Low Altitude Economy Industry Public Service Centre, making Lilium the first European eVTOL manufacturer to open a regional office in this district. The headquarters will support sales, services, and support for the Lilium Jet in China and the Asia-Pacific region.
Lilium will also handle certification and validation in China, which is expected to account for approximately 25% of the global eVTOL market in the future. The establishment of the regional headquarters is expected to create new jobs in the Shenzhen region, with local hiring set to begin this year, focusing on commercial activities.
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “China represents a huge opportunity for the eVTOL industry, and this partnership with the Bao’an District will expand our footprint even further in China. We believe the Lilium Jet is well placed to meet the demands of customers in China and across the region.”
Production of the Lilium Jet commenced at the end of last year at Lilium’s headquarters near Munich, Germany. The first pilot flight is scheduled for the end of 2024. The electric aircraft, designed primarily for use as an air taxi, boasts a range of 250 kilometres and a cruising speed of 280 kilometres per hour.
