Lilium, developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet, has received Design Organization Approval from its primary regulatory authority, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The award marks a major milestone for Lilium, positioning it at the forefront of the industry as a company authorised to hold a type-certificate for an eVTOL aircraft in Europe.
Design Organization Approval reflects a seal of quality assurance for companies in aviation design, formally acknowledging a company’s ability to design and develop safe and compliant aircraft. This major achievement in the development of the revolutionary Lilium Jet reflects the culmination of an extensive qualification process dating back to 2017. Receiving Design Organization Approval is a core requirement for any commercial aircraft manufacturer.
Klaus Roewe, Lilium CEO, commented: “In many respects, today’s announcement marks a cornerstone for Lilium and evidences our market leadership in advancing the aviation industry. Achieving Design Organization Approval reflects EASA’s confidence in Lilium and differentiates us against others currently pursuing eVTOL development and regulatory approval. While we join a small, select group of companies qualified to develop commercial aircraft, today’s announcement is especially significant for the global aviation industry as we are doing so by advancing sustainable regional air mobility. I appreciate the many Lilians and countless stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in us achieving today’s milestone, and we look forward to further advancements toward the commercialisation of the Lilium Jet. I would like to thank our counterparts at EASA for their professional cooperation, which I believe will continue to be very beneficial for the industry moving forward.”
Alastair McIntosh, Lilium Chief Technology Officer and Head of Design Organisation, said: “In simple terms, the Design Organization Approval is our licence to operate and confirms that Lilium has the organisation, procedures, competencies, resources and demonstrated rigour required to design and certify aircraft according to the very highest safety standards. This pays great tribute to our team at Lilium. Receiving Design Organization Approval from EASA further motivates us on our path to commercialise the revolutionary Lilium Jet.”
