The Lufthansa Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with German aerospace company Lilium to explore a strategic partnership on electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft operation in Europe.
The companies want to “explore innovation opportunities in aviation” and in a statement said they are discussing areas such as ground and flight operations, future aircraft maintenance and crewing and flight training.
The companies will also work on airspace integration and vertiport infrastructure, and collaborate with airports and regional partners.
Lufthansa Group executive board member responsible for fleet and technology, Detlef Kayser, said: “We want to develop aviation further and drive the transformation of the industry. This memorandum of understanding with Lilium will make an important contribution to this.
“Only with innovation, courage and determination can we, as an industry, make aviation more sustainable and master the challenges of the future,” he added.
According to Lilium’s internal projections, the European market is expected to account for around 9,200 eVTOL aircraft through 2035.
The MOU follows recent investments in eVTOLs by US carriers United and Delta.