In a major milestone, Lilium received the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) G-1 Certification Basis necessary for the type certificate validation of its all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet. Lilium’s primary airworthiness authority, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), issued its certification basis for the Lilium Jet in 2020.
The G-1 is a compulsory milestone in the FAA cross-validation process, which will precede the airworthiness and environmental requirements necessary to achieve FAA Type Certificate Validation.
Thrilled at achieving this certification, Alastair McIntosh, Chief Technology Officer, Lilium said: “We are the first powered lift eVTOL pioneer in our industry holding a Certification Basis from EASA and the FAA. This is a major step towards our goal of achieving early certification of our aircraft in key markets to support a worldwide entry into service. We are grateful to have found great partners on both sides of the pond to electrify the skies.”
“As per FAA practice, there will now be a collaborative process where Lilium and EASA provide feedback to the FAA before the G-1 is issued for public consultation. We look forward to continued collaboration with the FAA and EASA,” McIntosh added.
With this validation, Lilium becomes the only eVTOL manufacturer with EASA and FAA certification basis for a powered lift eVTOL aircraft. Receiving the FAA G-1 is the latest step in the Lilium Jet’s path to global acceptance by aerospace regulators ahead of its expected start of international operations in late 2025.
The company remains on track toward achieving Type Certification with the EASA in late 2025.
The company recently received an order for up to 100 eVTOL aircraft from Heli-Eastern to develop eVTOL services across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Heli-Eastern will conduct passenger operations with Lilium Jets and offer local area maintenance crew services.
Lilium Jets offer a maximum range of over 150 miles with reserves and a cruising altitude of 10,000 feet.