Munich-based Lilium obtains EASA Design Organization Approval, establishing itself as an industry leader in urban air mobility.
Lilium Jet
Munich-based eVTOL maker Lilium has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its Lilium Jet, securing Design Organization Approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
This accomplishment positions Lilium as a frontrunner in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry, granting the company the authority to hold a type certificate for its innovative aircraft, the company announced in a press release.
Design Organization Approval is a critical step for any commercial aircraft development company, signifying adherence to rigorous safety and regulatory standards. This approval assures stakeholders that Lilium’s organization, procedures, and capabilities meet the stringent criteria set forth by EASA for the development of Part-21 commercial aircraft.
Klaus Roewe, Lilium CEO, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Achieving Design Organization Approval reflects EASA’s confidence in Lilium and differentiates us against others currently pursuing eVTOL development and regulatory approval.”
The journey to Design Organization Approval began for Lilium in 2017, marking the culmination of an extensive qualification process. Alastair McIntosh, Lilium’s Chief Technology Officer and Head of Design Organisation described the approval as “our License to Operate,” highlighting the company’s capability to design and certify aircraft with the highest safety standards.
Bhavesh Mandalia, Lilium’s Chief Airworthiness Officer and Deputy CTO, acknowledged the collaborative efforts, stating, “Today’s announcement has been more than six years in the making.”
Lilium’s Design Organization Approval not only solidifies its position in the European market but also streamlines its path to certification in the United States. The approval allows Lilium to leverage Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements, facilitating the validation of technology and aircraft in both regions.
Mandalia noted, “EASA’s Design Organization Approval brings significant benefits to our FAA certification process in the U.S.”
With Design Organization Approval in hand, Lilium is now qualified to design and hold a type certificate for aircraft developed in accordance with EASA’s SC-VTOL rules. These rules, finalized in 2019, represent the highest safety standards globally for eVTOL aircraft.
Lilium is concurrently pursuing type-certificate validation for the Lilium Jet with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S., marking a significant dual certification basis for Lilium.
Luc Tytgat, Acting Executive Director at EASA, acknowledged Lilium’s achievement, stating, “I would like to congratulate Lilium on achieving this Design Organization Approval, which advances Europe’s electric aviation activity.”
This accomplishment comes at a crucial juncture for Lilium, distinguishing it as a key player in the race to establish sustainable and efficient urban air mobility solutions.
As Lilium celebrates this milestone, the focus shifts to the next steps in the commercialization of the Lilium Jet. Roewe expressed gratitude towards the team at Lilium and stakeholders, anticipating further advancements in bringing the innovative eVTOL aircraft to the market.
With the FAA’s G-1 issuance in June, Lilium stands as the only eVTOL manufacturer with dual certification bases from EASA and FAA for a powered lift eVTOL aircraft.
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Can Emir Can is a curious individual who is highly impressed by all sorts of innovations and technology. He graduated from Bahcesehir University's Film & TV department but still wonders what it would be like if he studied chemistry, a field he is strongly interested in. Can began translating and journalism after working for a few years in his initial field. He loves scuba-diving, old arcade games, and comics.
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