Troubled electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Lilium has reportedly laid off almost 1,000 employees — nearly all of its staff, according to Grunderszene.
The outlet reported that the company had not been able to finalise a deal with an investor and let go of its staff on December 20, 2024. The company will reportedly retain a small number of staff to support the upcoming liquidation.
Lilium cofounder Patrick Nathen wrote on LinkedIn on December 22: “After 10 years and 10 months, it's a sad reality that Lilium has ceased operations.”
He added that the company's founders “can longer pursue our shared belief in greener aviation", adding that the timing “feels painfully ironic” as pressure mounts for greater sustainability in the aviation sector.
Lilium had filed for bankruptcy protection in late October after being denied support from the German government in mid-October. The government would not approve a €50 million guarantee of a contemplated €100 million convertible loan for the company. In early December, Lilium announced it had sold eight eVTOL jets to the Ambitious Group, with it confirming that the KPMG-led M&A process aimed at delivering the company's financial restructuring is continuing.
The company's order pipeline totalled 108 firm orders and reservations, 82 options, and nearly 600 aircraft under memorandum of understandings.
The company has not yet filed a press release or SEC notification to formalise the announcement.
Airline Economics has reached out to Lilium for comment.