The Lufthansa Group and Lilium are to explore innovation opportunities in eVTOL aircraft operation in Europe, discussing areas such as ground and flight operations, future aircraft maintenance, as well as crewing and flight training. In a possible strategic partnership, both companies also want to analyse the opportunities for collaboration with third parties like airports and regional partners, on the advancement of infrastructure such as vertiports, airspace integration and the definition of required operation processes.

Dr Detlef Kayser, a member of the Lufthansa Group's executive board and responsible for fleet and technology, says: "Innovation is part of our DNA. The Lufthansa Group aspires to be a global leader in the integration of products and processes. We want to develop aviation further and drive the transformation of the industry. This memorandum of understanding with Lilium will make an important contribution to this. Only with innovation, courage and determination can we, as an industry, make aviation more sustainable and master the challenges of the future."

Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe adds: "We are delighted that the Lufthansa Group has decided to cooperate with us to jointly advance in the future of flying. It has been at the forefront of some of Europe's most important aviation initiatives, especially in the area of environmental sustainability. We are thrilled to explore opportunities on bringing eVTOL flights to its customers."

Lilium has begun production of its Lilium Jet and, according to internal projections, the European market is expected to account for a demand of around 9,200 eVTOL aircraft through 2035.

With a current fleet of over 700 commercial aircraft, the Lufthansa Group is pursuing a long-term fleet strategy aimed at cost-efficiency and reduced emissions. Its latest aircraft acquisitions have up to 30 per cent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared with predecessor models. The Lufthansa Group aims to cut its net carbon emissions in half by 2030 on its path to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.