CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co (COHC), China's sole helicopter port pilotage provider, is to establish an eVTOL operation network with Lilium. The two companies will develop services in China based on market demand, and eventually offer regular eVTOL services initially in the Greater Bay Area, and later across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hainan Island and Tianjin.

The news follows Lilium's partnership with other suppliers in the China region, including an agreement with Heli-Eastern and an MoU with the Bao'an District of Shenzhen municipality.

COHC and Lilium will strategically select production bases, conduct test flights, implement after-sales service protocols and identify potential sites of interest and partners for vertiports.

A representative of COHC says: "We're looking forward to working with Lilium to build an eVTOL network in the Greater Bay Area and beyond. It's important for our customers to be able to travel quickly, sustainably and in premium comfort, and with Lilium we're excited to do just that."

Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe adds: "The partnership highlights the shared aspirations of COHC and Lilium to create a sustainable and efficient aerial transportation system that addresses the growing demand for premium regional mobility solutions. China is expected to account for close to 25 per cent of the eVTOL market and this reaffirms our commitment to the region, our desire to bring fast and sustainable travel to more people and to offer outstanding flight experiences for our customers."