Lilium and CITIC Offshore Helicopter Partner to Launch eVTOL Network in China’s Greater Bay Area
The companies plan to establish an eVTOL network using Lilium’s eVTOL jet.
(Shenzen, China) eVTOL developer Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM) and helicopter operator CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co., Ltd. (COHC) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow the two companies to collaborate on the establishment of an eVTOL operation network in China, starting in the Greater Bay Area, using Lilium’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jet.
Courtesy of Lilium : The Lilium Jet
As part of the agreement, Lilium and COHC, which is China’s sole helicopter port pilotage provider, will work together to develop services in the region based on market demand, and eventually offer regular eVTOL services. Services will begin initially in the Greater Bay Area, with additional planned service across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hainan Island, and Tianjin in the future.
The news follows Lilium’s partnership with other suppliers in the China region, including an agreement with Heli-Eastern and an MOU with the Bao’an District of Shenzhen municipality.
“China is expected to account for close to 25% of the eVTOL market and this announcement reaffirms our commitment to the region and desire to bring fast and sustainable travel to more people and to offer outstanding flight experiences for our customers,” said Lilium Chief Executive Officer Klaus Roewe in a press release from the company.
