Company shows off all-electric jet at Las Vegas exhibition

Lilium, a German aerospace company, introduced an all-electric jet at an aviation exhibition this week in Las Vegas.

The jet, which takes off vertically like a helicopter and flies like an airplane, is focused on regional air mobility, said Matt Broffman, the company’s vice president of commercial for the Americas.

At full charge, it can travel 110 miles. But as battery technology improves, the range could be extended to up to 250 miles by 2035, the company said.

Lilium showed off the jet at the National Business Association’s Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Lilium is seeking certification for the jet with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Broffman said.

“We’re at this really unique moment in time where battery technology is at a place where we can make an aircraft like this possible,” Broffman said.

Some airline companies use sustainable aviation fuels, or biofuel, in their aircraft, Broffman said. But battery technology is the most cost-effective option for shorter trips, he said.

“We recognize that today you can’t get an electric aircraft and fly from London to New York, so we need alternatives. So sustainable aviation fuels…fit that,” Broffman said. But an electric jet is a better suited for short trips, such as from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, he said.

“One of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is transportation, and the leading sector within that is aviation,” Broffman said. “Electric aviation doesn’t solve all our problems. There’s got to be different pieces, and we think electric is an important part of that.”

The jet is powered 10 silicon-ion batteries, Broffman said. During take-off and landing, the sound from the jet blends into the ambient noise of an urban environment at about 60 decibels, he said.

“That’s what we think will enable this aircraft in the future,” Broffman said. “This is less disruptive than a truck passing by.”

The plane can seat up to six passengers, with the seats being removable to fit cargo.

Key launch markets are south and central Florida, Southern California and Texas, Broffman said. Lilium has already talked to operators in Las Vegas who are interested in the jet.

The wingspan of the jet is less than 50 feet, so it can land at heliports in the United States and around the world.

“One of the things that is really interesting for Las Vegas is…the sheer amount of special events that are here,” Broffman said. “The ability to then utilize airports that are across the region and fly people on a Lilium jet and land them near or close to the venue they’re trying to get to…can fit for Las Vegas.”