Lilium Delays Manned First Flight to 2025: German Flying Taxi Developer Faces Delivery Delays

German flying taxi developer Lilium is postponing the manned first flight of its flying taxi to 2025 due to delivery delays. Despite the setback, Lilium plans to deliver its first flying taxi in 2026. The company has received a major order from the state-owned Saudi Arabian airline Saudia, but a feasibility study and contract details are still pending.

Lilium is currently awaiting certification from the European aviation safety authority. CEO Klaus Roewe confirms that customer deposits are crucial for Lilium to complete the development of its flying taxi.

Lilium has a total of 106 firm orders and reservations, along with 76 options and letters of intent for about 600 eVTOL aircraft. The company's jets are designed to take off and land vertically but travel the distance with the help of wings, allowing for higher speed and efficiency.

Saudia plans to use Lilium's jets to reduce regional travel times by 90%. Lilium and Saudia will be holding a press event for an important contract signing.