Lilium Receives Regulatory Green Light for Flying Taxi Development

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In favor of the progression of the flying taxi sector, German firm Lilium announced on Monday that it has garnered regulatory approval to design and operate its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has granted the company “Design Organization Approval,” a conditional license allowing Lilium to bypass industry formalities and proceed with its aircraft production.

This breakthrough, described by Lilium’s chief technology officer, Alastair McIntosh, as a de facto “license to operate,” signifies a considerable milestone in the industry’s effort to commercialize such vehicles.

“Receiving Design Organization Approval from EASA further motivates us on our path to commercialize the revolutionary Lilium Jet. At the same time, we are wary of creating barriers to entering this new market and we have worked in partnership with Lilium, against a demanding timeline. I would like to congratulate Lilium on achieving this Design Organization Approval, which advances Europe’s electric aviation activity.”

Alastair McIntosh, Lilium CTO, via CNBC

Luc Tytgat, the acting executive director of the EU agency, stressed the responsibility his organization carries in establishing operation rules while also ensuring high safety standards and environmental considerations like noise.

The concept of flying cars, once a fixture of science fiction and fantasy, is now closer to reality. Companies like Lilium aim to transform this dream into real-world intercity travel solutions. The Lilium Jet, specifically designed for domestic travel rather than cross-country flights, uses small propellers powered by electric motors for lift and thrust. Once operational, it’s expected to cover up to 300 kilometers (or about 186 miles) on a single charge in an hour.

Founded in 2015 by four friends from the Technical University of Munich, Germany, Lilium aspires to launch commercial flights by 2025. Despite facing potent competition from aerospace giants like Boeing and Airbus, along with startups like Volocopter, Lilium’s recent regulatory approval gives it a significant advantage in this burgeoning market.

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