Although shareholders have put more money into advanced air mobility, getting government loans could still be crucial, and avoiding program delays will be key.
Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe expects $100 million in loan guarantees from the German and Bavarian governments, while talks with France toward $200 million continue.
Advanced air mobility startup Volocopter has secured fresh funding that is expected to finance the company beyond certification of the VoloCity multicopter.
Volare Aviation subsidiary eVolare has signed binding purchase agreements with Lilium for four aircraft and reserved an additional 12 production slots.
Chief Commercial Officer Sebastien Borel said that that business sector is well suited for early adoption, while the mass market will take longer to mature.
Volare, the sales, management, maintenance and charter provider to be the launch customer for the Lilium Jet, expects to receive 10 aircraft by mid-2026.
The CEO of Lilium says the company may have to leave Germany if it cannot secure government funding for development and certification of its Lilium Jet.
The two German air taxi companies need state support to exit a funding crisis, but party politics and risk aversion may force their sale to foreign investors.
By Joe Anselmo, Jens Flottau, Ben Goldstein, Sergio Cecutta
Investors have plowed billions of dollars into eVTOL ventures but now many are running out of cash. Listen in to hear the latest on the plight of Lilium and Volocopter.
