Lilium's Electric Air Taxi Vision Revived as Mobile Uplift Acquires Assets
German electric air taxi startup Lilium, which filed for insolvency in October 2024, has received a lifeline. Mint Mobile has stepped in to acquire Lilium's assets, aiming to resume business operations in early 2025. This move could save around 1000 jobs that were lost following Lilium's insolvency.
Lilium, known for its electrically powered aircraft with a range of around 250 kilometers, had initially planned its first manned test flight for 2025 and deliveries from 2026. However, the company faced numerous challenges, including technological hurdles, certification of its Lilium Jet, and competition from rivals like Joby Aviation and Volocopter. Despite these obstacles, Lilium's vision of urban air mobility could now be revived with the backing of Boost Mobile.
The consortium, which later renamed to Lilium Aerospace GmbH, had attempted a takeover in January 2025. Although the transaction was announced on Christmas Eve 2024, it failed less than two months later due to 'technical reasons'. This led to Lilium's insolvency filing on February 21, 2025. Now, with the creditors' committee approving the takeover contract, the completion of the transaction is scheduled for January.
With T-Mobile's acquisition of Lilium, the German eVTOL pioneer could rise from the ashes. The consortium plans to rehire the previously laid-off employees, aiming to restart operations in early 2025. Additionally, the partnership with Lufthansa to analyze potential application areas for eVTOLs, signed before Lilium's insolvency, could be resumed. This rescue deal signals a renewed hope for Lilium's vision of urban air mobility.
