Lilium Jet Becomes First eVTOL with Both EASA and FAA Certification Basis

As eVTOL companies race to commercialization, type certification is one of the biggest hurdles.  Type certification for eVTOLs is particularly challenging as standards are being developed as companies engage in the process. Now, having taken one of their first flights in Germany back in 2017, the Lilium Jet has become the First eVTOL with both EASA and FAA certification basis – another step in the process towards type certificate validation and commercialization of services.

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

EVTOL jet developer Lilium has announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted it the G-1 Certification Basis necessary for the type certificate validation of its Lilium Jet. Back in 2020, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued Lilium’s certification basis for its Lilium Jet.

In order to allow for global operations, Lilium is seeking concurrent certification of the Lilium Jet through FAA validation under the provisions of the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the EU and U.S. The company is one of only a few pursuing dual certification in the EU and the U.S., and is the only one to hold both an EASA and FAA certification basis for a powered lift eVTOL aircraft.

From its inception, Lilium has maintained a focus on guaranteeing that its design, engineering and business operations satisfy the safety standards and certification procedures necessary to achieve global acceptance. Both of the company’s Certification Bases stem from a longtime collaborative relationship under the leadership of Lilium’s expert senior aerospace engineers who have created some of the world’s leading aircraft.

“We are the first powered lift eVTOL pioneer in our industry holding a Certification Basis from EASA and the FAA,” said Lilium CTO Alastair McIntosh. “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.”

“Receiving the FAA G-1 demonstrates the Lilium Jet’s path to global acceptance by aerospace regulators and the expected start of global operations in late 2025 for the revolutionary Lilium Jet,” said Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe.

Read more:

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Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.