by Lilium, a German-based company specializing in electric take off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), has announced that it is now offering its seven-seat eVTOL air taxis for private sale in the United States. This marks the first time that eVTOLs have been commercially available for purchase. The company has partnered with EMCJET, an aircraft brokerage and management company based in Texas, to handle the exclusive distribution of their eVTOLs through 2030.
The eVTOL market is gaining momentum in the commercial sector, with increasing interest and demand for these passenger drones. In 2021, UK-based company Halo placed an order for 200 eVTOLs manufactured by Eve, a spin-off from Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer. Additionally, Tokyo-based SkyDrive announced a production deal with Suzuki to manufacture its two-passenger eVTOL starting in early 2024. In China, the eHang EH 216, equipped with 16 propellers, recently received clearance to operate as a commercial air taxi.
Lilium is a well-known player in the eVTOL space, with its seven-seat “air minibus” designed for longer-range inter-city travel. Unlike other eVTOLs that use large rotors for propulsion, Lilium’s design utilizes a series of small ducted fans for both vertical and horizontal movement. This innovation, known as ducted electric vectored thrust (DEVT), has been successful for the company, resulting in significant commercial deals, including a partnership with Brazil’s third largest domestic airline, Azul, for the delivery of 220 eVTOL units worth nearly a billion dollars.
The partnership with EMCJET grants exclusive distribution rights for Lilium’s eVTOLs in the US market. Currently, EMCJET has secured five production slots from Lilium. However, potential buyers should be aware that the cost of owning an eVTOL is significant, with a list price of $10 million. Despite this high price tag, Lilium representative Christine Pierk notes that the comprehensive service and warranty package included in the price makes it one of the most cost-effective jets to operate in its class.
For those looking for more affordable options, there are several alternatives available in the market. These include the single-seat Jetson One priced at $92,000, the single-seat Ryse Recon designed for agricultural use at $150,000, the two-seat Air One priced at $150,000, and the two-seat SkyFly Axe priced at $175,000, among others.
Lilium’s eVTOL has already demonstrated its capabilities earlier this year, reaching its maximum airspeed of 155 mph (250 km/h). The company’s commitment to advancing the technology of eVTOLs and its establishment of commercial partnerships highlight the increasing interest and potential for this innovative mode of transportation. With Lilium’s eVTOLs now available for private sale in the US market, high-net-worth individuals with a pilot’s license can fulfill their dream of vertical takeoffs and horizontal flights through the skies.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
