Lilium Jet Showcased at Houston William P. Hobby Airport
The innovative Lilium Jet, a leader in the electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft sector, has recently made its debut in the United States. This significant event took place at Galaxy FBO’s hangar located at Houston William P. Hobby Airport on September 26, 2024. The showcase was organized in collaboration with the Greater Houston Partnership, the largest chamber of commerce in the region, and was attended by prominent leaders from the aviation industry.
Galaxy FBO has entered into a strategic partnership with Lilium to enhance regional connectivity across the Houston area. Planned routes include connections from Houston Hobby Airport to Galveston, Houston Spaceport to College Station, and The Woodlands to Galveston. These routes are currently in the planning stages, aiming to leverage Galaxy FBO’s extensive facilities across the Houston area, including Houston Hobby, Conroe North Houston Regional Airport, and the Woodlands Heliport, which will serve as critical infrastructure for Lilium Jet operations.
Partnerships and Future Operations
Jeremy Gee, CEO of Galaxy FBO, expressed his enthusiasm about transforming their facilities into a state-of-the-art hub for eVTOL innovation. He emphasized the significant role this partnership would play in positioning Houston as a leader in sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. Gee highlighted the transformative potential of the Lilium Jet to offer unprecedented connectivity across Greater Houston.
Furthermore, Lilium has secured a partnership with EMCJET, an esteemed aircraft brokerage and management firm based in Houston. As part of the initial customer base when deliveries commence in 2026, EMCJET looks forward to providing its clients with a revolutionary travel solution that combines luxury, safety, and sustainability. Memo Montemayor, Founder and CEO of EMCJET, remarked on the future-ready capabilities of the Lilium Jet, emphasizing its spacious cabin, luxurious finishes, and efficient vertical takeoff and landing features.
Design, Range, and Market Outlook
The Lilium Jet is meticulously designed for regional travel, boasting an initial operating range of approximately 110 miles. Kevin Tipton, Senior Director for Aerospace and Aviation at the Greater Houston Partnership, shared his excitement about integrating this next-generation aviation technology into Houston’s already robust aerospace sector. He anticipates groundbreaking developments for the region stemming from this advanced aviation technology.
Lilium’s global presence includes partnerships with aviation entities across Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Notably, in July 2024, Lilium and Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, entered a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets with an option for an additional 50 units. According to Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, the initial focus post-launch will be on the high-end tourism sector. Over time, as demand increases, the six-seater model will likely become more prevalent, facilitating efficient transport between airports and cities. Roewe predicts that the majority of future sales will favor the six-seater variant, estimating about 85% to 90% of total sales, while the four-seater model will account for the remaining 10% to 15%.
Looking ahead, the Lilium Jet is scheduled to be featured at the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas, where it will further showcase its capabilities and futuristic design to a global audience.