Lilium has chosen France-based manufacturer Expliseat to design and build the pilot and passenger seats for its Lilium Jet.

Expliseat specialises in lightweight and durable seating for aviation and other low carbon mobilities. The company has unique expertise in advanced materials such as carbon fibre and titanium, which make its seats approximately 35 per cent lighter than aviation seats typically made of aluminium.

Lilium senior vice president procurement Martin Schuebel says: “The Lilium Jet uses cutting-edge technology, so it's only right that we have the best partners who also challenge the way things are done. Expliseat's expertise with lightweight and durable materials will help us reach weight and distance targets for commercialisation, while ensuring a premium passenger experience.”

This significant saving in weight is the result of an ultralight frame, which means comfort is not sacrificed. The considerable mass saved is partially reinvested into additional cushions and enhanced ergonomics for an optimal passenger experience.

Lower seat mass contributes to a more efficient and sustainable aviation. Expliseat is also engaged in other greentech initiatives. The company has developed revolutionary recycled composite processes to produce seat parts without using any virgin material while guaranteeing higher levels of robustness compared to conventional plastic ones.

Expliseat CEO Amaury Barberot adds: “Expliseat is at the forefront of sustainable seating solutions. Lilium's selection of Expliseat is a testament to our technological advances and to the efficient balance offered by the TiSeat between weight saving and extra comfort. We are proud to develop one of the first serially produced eVTOL seats in history, compliant with the specific safety standards applicable to the industry, and to contribute to Lilium's pioneering development.”