LanguagesIntroduction to the Strategic Partnership
Lilium, a forefront innovator in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, has established a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PhilJets during the Singapore Airshow 2024. This agreement marks a significant step towards the future purchase of 10 state-of-the-art Lilium Jets. The collaboration aims to spearhead the development of an extensive eVTOL operation network across the Philippines and extend its reach into Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries. PhilJets, with its robust fleet of 15 private jets and helicopters, is poised to integrate these advanced aircraft into its operations, enhancing both private and commercial air travel within the region.
Thierry Tea, Chairman of PhilJets, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the synergy between Lilium’s innovative eVTOL technology and the dynamic needs of the Philippine market. With a booming economy, a vast geographical layout, and a thriving tourism industry, the Philippines presents an ideal landscape for the deployment of Lilium Jets. This collaboration is not only a leap towards modernizing air mobility but also a step forward in eco-friendly transportation solutions, aiming to reduce carbon emissions significantly.
Expanding the Horizon: The Vision for Southeast Asia
Lilium and PhilJets are committed to co-developing a comprehensive service plan that includes route definition, demand analysis for eVTOL operations, and identifying potential sites and partners for vertiport infrastructure. This initiative will leverage Lilium’s existing network of charging hardware providers and share vertiport specifications to ensure seamless integration and operation. The partnership underscores the potential for eVTOL technology to revolutionize air travel by offering efficient, sustainable, and high-speed connectivity across the region’s challenging topography.
Sebastien Borel, Chief Commercial Officer at Lilium, emphasized the strategic importance of the Asian market, particularly the Philippines, with its unique archipelago of over 7,500 islands. The deployment of Lilium Jets, powered by Ducted Electric Vectored Thrust (DEVT) technology, offers a novel approach to overcoming geographical barriers, promising a future of interconnected islands through sustainable air mobility. Unlike traditional helicopter-based designs, Lilium’s jet-like eVTOL aircraft can achieve vertical takeoffs before transitioning to horizontal flight, akin to conventional airplanes, setting a new standard in aviation technology.