
“He Flew Away, But Promised to Return” – or Why a Promising Aviation Project Was Closed
As it became known, the well-known German startup Lilium ceased its work this week. The company has been developing electric-powered aircraft for many years. However, despite the presence of potential customers and signed supply agreements, not a single one Aircraft The company never released it. And according to the most conservative estimates, no less than $1 billion was invested in the project.
This "most unpleasant" news was announced by the company's co-founder Patrick Nathan, but not loudly, but modestly, through a post on social networks. It is reported that more than a thousand employees of the enterprise were fired, and the liquidation process has already begun.
More than $1 billion was spent on developing Lilium electric gliders. Photo: lilium.com
The first "bells" of instability had been appearing for a long time, but the company encountered serious difficulties this fall. As it turned out, the 54 million dollars promised by the German government, necessary for continuing operations, were not transferred. After that, Lilium declared the insolvency of its two main subsidiaries.
There was still hope to “stay afloat” back then, and so all efforts were thrown into finding a new investor. A partnership agreement was even signed with GE Aerospace, according to which it was planned to create a range of flight data management solutions for eVTOL operators.
Overall, the company had grandiose plans – they were going to carry out the first manned flight of a jetliner of their own design in early 2025. And the first deliveries of aircraft were supposed to begin in 2026. Among the customers were the American air carrier UrbanLink and the national airline of Saudi Arabia Saudia Airlines. However, these agreements, as is already clear, will not be fulfilled.
Lilium successfully completed flight tests. Photo: lilium.com
At the same time, Mr. Nathen “doesn’t give up” and even “promises to return.” And, judging by his words, his greatest regret is the fact that so many people are left without work, which has recently become something commonplace in Germany.
This "most unpleasant" news was announced by the company's co-founder Patrick Nathan, but not loudly, but modestly, through a post on social networks. It is reported that more than a thousand employees of the enterprise were fired, and the liquidation process has already begun.

The first "bells" of instability had been appearing for a long time, but the company encountered serious difficulties this fall. As it turned out, the 54 million dollars promised by the German government, necessary for continuing operations, were not transferred. After that, Lilium declared the insolvency of its two main subsidiaries.
There was still hope to “stay afloat” back then, and so all efforts were thrown into finding a new investor. A partnership agreement was even signed with GE Aerospace, according to which it was planned to create a range of flight data management solutions for eVTOL operators.
Overall, the company had grandiose plans – they were going to carry out the first manned flight of a jetliner of their own design in early 2025. And the first deliveries of aircraft were supposed to begin in 2026. Among the customers were the American air carrier UrbanLink and the national airline of Saudi Arabia Saudia Airlines. However, these agreements, as is already clear, will not be fulfilled.

At the same time, Mr. Nathen “doesn’t give up” and even “promises to return.” And, judging by his words, his greatest regret is the fact that so many people are left without work, which has recently become something commonplace in Germany.
- Lilu
- lilium.com
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