Lilium achieves EASA Design Organization Approval

Lilium announced Monday it had achieved Design Organization Approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency for its eVTOL jet. With this milestone, Lilium is leading in Europe as the first company authorized to hold a type-certificate for an eVTOL aircraft. Gaining Design Organization Approval signifies a seal of quality assurance for companies in aviation design. The achievement acknowledges Lilium's ability to design and develop safe and compliant aircraft. This step in the development of the Lilium jet reflects the extensive work in the qualification process, dating back to 2017. This approval is a core requirement for a commercial aircraft manufacturer. "In many respects, today's announcement marks a cornerstone for Lilium and evidences our market leadership in advancing the aviation industry," Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe said. "Achieving Design Organization Approval reflects EASA's confidence in Lilium and differentiates us against others currently pursuing eVTOL development and regulatory approval. While we join a small, select group of companies qualified to develop commercial aircraft, today's announcement is especially significant for the global aviation industry as we are doing so by advancing sustainable regional air mobility." According to the Design Organization Approval, Lilium is qualified to design and be a type certificate holder for aircraft developed according to EASA's SC-VTOL rules. These eVTOL requirements were finalized in 2019 and represent the highest safety objectives for eVTOL aircraft in the world. Lilium is also pursuing type-certification validation of its eVTOL jet with the FAA under the provisions of the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the European Union and the U.S.RELATED STORIES:Fuselage assembly begins on eVTOL Lilium Jet; aircraft looks to fly next yearLilium achieves FAA G-1 Certification Basis for eVTOL jet "In simple terms, the Design Organization Approval is our Licence to Operate and confirms that Lilium has the organization, procedures, competencies, resources, and demonstrated rigor required to design and certify aircraft according to the very highest safety standards," said Alastair McIntosh, Lilium CTO and head of design organization. "This pays great tribute to our team at Lilium. Receiving Design Organization Approval from EASA further motivates us on our path to commercialize the revolutionary Lilium Jet." The FAA issued the G-1 Certification Basis needed for type certification validation for the Lilium Jet in June. Lilium is the only eVTOL manufacturer with both an EASA and FAA certification basis for a powered lift eVTOL aircraft. In September, German-based Lilium announced it had begun fuselage assembly for the jet. This was the first of seven fuselages that will be used to achieve type-certification for the aircraft. Lilium has said it is on track for the first manned flight in late 2024.