Lilium has started production of its Lilium Jet following the arrival of the first fuselage at the final assembly line. In parallel, Lilium's tier one suppliers, most of whom have decades of experience in supporting the certification requirements of commercial aviation, are ramping up production of parts and systems.

Start of production is a watershed moment, shifting from the design phase of the aircraft to industrialisation. And it is an important turning point for Lilium's industrial partners and supply chains working to make sustainable regional aviation a reality. In the next step, the fuselage will be matched-up with the aircraft's canards and main wings.

Production of the Lilium Jet takes place in Wessling, Germany. The testing and manufacturing centre, propulsion and aerostructures facility, final assembly building and the newly constructed battery assembly building and logistics hub, where aircraft parts are readied for integration on the final assembly line, are all located alongside one another. In total, Lilium's facilities cover an area of 175,000sq ft.

CEO Klaus Roewe comments: "To see the first aircraft fuselage on the final assembly line, ready to join up with the canard and wings, is a proud moment for everyone involved in our mission to make aviation sustainable. We firmly believe the Lilium Jet will usher in a new era of sustainable regional mobility, offering the highest safety standards as well as superior comfort, unit economics and customer experience."

COO Yves Yemsi adds: "I'd like to pay tribute not only to all Lilians, but also to the support and commitment of each of our suppliers and partners. The progress made in designing and building the fuselage, canard and wings is a testament to the quality of collaboration with our aerostructures suppliers Aciturri and Aernnova. This once again confirms that our approach of teaming with proven aerospace suppliers is the optimal strategy as we advance along a path to certification and entry into service of the Lilium Jet."

The start of assembly follows Lilium's Design Organisation Approval by EASA, confirming that Lilium has the organisation, procedures, competencies, resources and demonstrated rigour required to certify aircraft according to the highest safety standards.