Lilium Reaffirms 2026 Target for First Customer Deliveries and Provides Additional Detail on Testing Program
Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer, has reaffirmed its 2026 target for first customer deliveries of the Lilium Jet. The company provided additional details on its testing program:
- First aircraft (MSN 1) will be used for ground testing starting in a few weeks
- Second aircraft (MSN 2) will undergo ground testing in fall and perform the first manned flight in early 2025
- Three aircraft will be in production by year-end
- Full structural aircraft for static tests will be available in fall
- Engineering simulator developed by FlightSafety International to be delivered early 2025
Lilium is also preparing operational support with a Flight Crew Training Simulator and its support and services organization, Lilium POWER-ON. The company continues to make progress on certification, training devices, and customer support services.
- Reaffirmation of 2026 target for first customer deliveries
- Three aircraft in production by year-end 2024
- Engineering simulator to be delivered early 2025
- Progress on certification, training devices, and support services
- Partnerships with AJW Group, Dedienne, and StarCharge for various support services
- First manned flight delayed to early 2025 due to supply chain constraints
- Shift in timeline for first manned flight, although claimed to have no material impact on deliveries
Insights
Lilium's reaffirmation of its 2026 target for first customer deliveries and the provision of additional details on its testing program demonstrate strategic progress and operational planning. Ground testing and the subsequent first manned flight scheduled for early 2025 are significant milestones reflecting Lilium's commitment to its roadmap.
However, the delays in part deliveries due to supply chain constraints are notable. Such constraints have affected many industries and while Lilium states there is no material impact on total program costs or customer deliveries, investors should remain vigilant. Supply chain disruptions can lead to unforeseen delays and potential cost overruns.
The collaboration with FlightSafety International and the development of the engineering simulator are positives, indicating proactive steps towards achieving certification. The focus on building operational support infrastructure shows a comprehensive approach to market readiness.
It is encouraging to see Lilium partnering with established companies like AJW Group, Dedienne, and StarCharge, bolstering its support and service capabilities. These alliances could mitigate some of the risks associated with the commercialization phase.
In the short term, investors might witness stock volatility due to the new timeline for the first manned flight. In the long term, the commitment to the 2026 target, provided the milestones are met without significant delays, could bode well for the stock.
Investors should keep a close eye on upcoming updates, especially regarding supply chain impacts and certification progress, as these will significantly influence Lilium's future financial performance.
Lilium's announcement underscores its strategic positioning within the Regional Air Mobility (RAM) sector. The sector itself is emergent and highly promising, poised to revolutionize short-distance travel. Lilium's detailed update on its testing program and production timelines gives a clearer picture of its operational preparedness.
The emphasis on rigorous testing and validation, as well as the development of the engineering simulator, highlights Lilium's focus on safety and regulatory compliance, critical factors for success in the aerospace industry.
The announcement of multiple partnerships for support services and materials reinforces Lilium's strategy to build a robust operational ecosystem. However, the statement regarding supply chain constraints hints at potential future challenges, which are typical in high-tech manufacturing sectors.
From a market research perspective, Lilium's ability to maintain its 2026 delivery target despite current industry-wide challenges portrays resilience. This could positively influence market perception and investor confidence. However, the real test will be the successful execution of its flight tests and the smooth progression towards certification by authorities like EASA.
The RAM market is competitive, with several players vying for a share. Lilium's progress and ability to differentiate itself through partnerships and technological advancements will be important in securing a leading position.
Investors should monitor competitive developments within the RAM sector and Lilium's ability to adhere to its timeline and cost estimates. Success in these areas will be pivotal in garnering market trust and achieving long-term growth.
Lilium's detailed update sheds light on its technological advancements and strategic partnerships. The focus on ground testing and subsequent manned flights within a defined timeline reflects a well-structured development plan. The engineering simulator developed by FlightSafety International will play a key role in the certification process, ensuring that the Lilium Jet meets stringent safety standards.
The collaboration with companies like AJW Group, Dedienne, and StarCharge for material services, ground support equipment and charging stations respectively, indicates a comprehensive approach to operational readiness and infrastructural support. These partnerships are likely to enhance Lilium's technological capabilities and operational efficiency.
However, the mention of ongoing supply chain constraints is a reminder of the broader challenges faced by the industry. Technological innovation, while promising, often encounters hurdles related to component availability and integration.
Lilium's focus on digital solutions for its support and services organization, Lilium POWER-ON, highlights the importance of leveraging technology to streamline operations and customer service. Such digital innovations will be key differentiators as Lilium prepares for market entry.
From a tech perspective, the successful execution of these plans will require robust project management and continuous monitoring of supply chain dynamics. The integration of new technologies into a cohesive and reliable product will be a critical success factor.
Investors should keep an eye on Lilium's technological milestones and the effectiveness of its partnerships in overcoming supply chain and integration challenges. Achieving these will be indicative of the company's readiness for commercial success.
- First aircraft (Lilium Jet MSN 1) to be used exclusively for ground testing starting in a few weeks
- Second aircraft (Lilium Jet MSN 2) to be used for first manned flight in early 2025, will start ground testing in the fall, soon after MSN 1
- Three aircraft in production by year-end
- Full structural aircraft for static tests available in fall
- Engineering simulator developed by FlightSafety International to be delivered early 2025
- Lilium prepares operational support with Flight Crew Training Simulator and Lilium POWER-ON, its support and services organization
MUNICH, July 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), today confirmed its delivery schedule allowing first customer deliveries in 2026 and provided additional program details. This confirmation is based on a recent program review that considered the testing and validation requirements needed prior to first manned flight, which is now scheduled for early 2025, and the readiness of its support organization and training devices for its customers.
Lilium is currently building the first two aircraft at its production facility in Gauting, south of Munich, Germany. The company has been working with FlightSafety International on an engineering simulator which will be delivered early next year. The simulator will be used to support the type certification program.
Lilium Jet MSN 2, now scheduled to perform the first manned flight in early 2025, is being assembled with its fuselage, landing gear, wing, canard, and electric harnesses. This change, driven by the delivery of certain parts of flight-testing equipment, component parts of the aircraft, and software, is due to the indirect effects of the ongoing industry-wide supply chain constraints. This shift has no material impact on customer deliveries, program planning, or total program costs. Assembly of MSN 3 will start later this year and the aircraft will join the certification flight test campaign in 2025.
Lilium and FlightSafety International will soon present a flight crew training simulator to EASA and FOCA (the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation which supports EASA in the training program certification). This will pave the way to final development of the training devices.
On top of its certification effort, Lilium continues to build its support and services organization, Lilium POWER-ON, to ensure a smooth entry into service experience for its customers. After having partnered with AJW Group for material services, Dedienne for the Ground Support Equipment, and StarCharge for its charging station, Lilium POWER-ON is now concentrating its efforts on digital solutions.
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, explained: “Lilium continues to make significant progress towards entry into service of its Lilium Jet, not only on certification but also training devices and support and services for our customers. Our latest program review highlighted that our plan for 2026 first deliveries is confirmed despite the new timeline for the first flight, with no material impact on customer deliveries. With EASA, we continue to be working on the highest safety level of our product and we are ramping up production of our test aircraft. We also want to announce by year end the 2026 launch location of the Lilium Jet with one of our customers.”
Contact information for media:
Rainer Ohler
+49 172 4890353
Rainer.ohler.ext@lilium.com
press@lilium.com
Contact information for investors:
Rama Bondada
Vice President, Investor Relations
investors@lilium.com
About Lilium:
Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM) is creating a sustainable and accessible mode of high-speed, regional transportation for people and goods. Using the Lilium Jet, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions, Lilium is accelerating the decarbonization of air travel. Working with aerospace, technology, and infrastructure leaders, and with announced sales and indications of interest in Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lilium’s 1,000 strong team includes approximately 500 aerospace engineers and a leadership team responsible for delivering some of the most successful aircraft in aviation history. Founded in 2015, Lilium’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Munich, Germany, with teams based across Europe and the U.S. To learn more, visit www.lilium.com.
Lilium Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward‐looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: (i) Lilium N.V.’s and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Lilium Group”) proposed business and business model, including the ongoing development of its support and services organization; (ii) the markets and industry in which the Lilium Group operates or intends to operate; (iii) the Lilium Group’s progress towards type certification (and type certificate validation) of its Lilium Jet with EASA and the FAA, including development of an engineering simulator to support this process; and (iv) the production, certification, flight testing program, delivery schedule and related timelines for the Lilium Jet. These forward‐looking statements generally are identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “estimate,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “on track,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. Forward‐looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on management’s current expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and are subject to risk and uncertainties that are subject to change at any time. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward‐looking statements. Factors that could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward‐looking statements in this press release include those risks and uncertainties discussed in Lilium’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20‐F for the year ended December 31, 2023, on file with the SEC, and similarly titled sections in Lilium’s other SEC filings, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. Forward‐looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward‐looking statements, and Lilium assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update, or revise these forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
FAQ
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What is Lilium POWER-ON?
