Lilium has signed a collaboration agreement with the Shenzhen-based Bao’an District. Under the agreement, Lilium has established its [APAC] regional headquarters in the district through its recently created Chinese entity (力翎航空), meaning “Powerful Wing”.
The collaboration will position Lilium as an active and contributing industry player in the region’s low-altitude economy, fostering relationships with local infrastructure partners, customers and regulatory authorities. While the partnership initially focuses on the Guangdong–Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with a population of over 85 million people, Lilium intends to expand across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region in the future. Lilium values Bao’an District’s extensive regional knowledge, which is crucial in laying the groundwork for premium eVTOL operations in the Greater Bay Area.
Lilium is currently in the process of opening its regional headquarters in the Bao’an Low Altitude Economy Industry Public Service Centre, becoming the first European eVTOL manufacturer to base a regional office in the district. The regional headquarters will facilitate Lilium Jet sales, services and support in China and the Asia-Pacific region.
Lilium will also undertake certification and validation in China, which is expected to represent approximately 25% of the global eVTOL market. By establishing the regional headquarters in China, Lilium will generate new jobs in the Shenzhen region. Local recruitment is set to commence this year, focusing on commercial activities. Additionally, Lilium will participate in low-altitude economy industry events, collaborate with local infrastructure partners to ensure compatibility with the Lilium Jet and create opportunities for local supply chain operations.
Yong Ni, a representative of the Bao’an District, said: “We are proud to welcome Lilium to Bao’an District as part of our shared mission to build the low-altitude economy of the future. This valuable collaboration will create exciting new opportunities and support the development of the necessary infrastructure to bring sustainable regional aviation to Shenzhen.”
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, said: “China represents a huge opportunity for the eVTOL industry, and this partnership with the Bao’an District will further expand our footprint in China. We believe the Lilium Jet is well placed to meet the demands of customers in China and across the region. We are particularly grateful for the modern facilities provided by the Bao’an District in the Bao’an Low Altitude Economy Industry Public Service Centre and for the comprehensive support they offer to promote growth in the low-altitude economy industry.”
Production of the Lilium Jet commenced late last year at the Lilium HQ near Munich in Germany, with the first piloted flight targeted for the end of 2024.
