Aernnova enters the Lilium vertical take-off electric jet

The German group has chosen Aernnova to participate in the design and manufacture of the engine fastening system (known as a flap in aeronautical parlance) for the new Lilium vertical take-off electric jet.

Aernnova, specialized in metallic aircraft structures, will develop, together with the German group, the propulsion support for the Lilium vertical take-off and landing electric jet.

This is one of the key components of the aircraft. Located at the rear of the plane, it provides the device with the necessary force to rise, by interacting with the air from the engine. It also houses the propulsion system responsible for vertical and horizontal flight.

Both companies explain that the electric motors integrated in the flaps of the wings provide advantages in terms of payload, aerodynamic efficiency and reduction of the noise level of the engine, and thrust to maneuver the Lilium jet in each phase of flight.

The collaboration between Aernnova and Lilium implies an "important step" towards serial production of this aircraft, within the German group's strategy of advancing sustainable and decarbonized regional air transport.

The CEO of Aernnova, Ricardo Chocarro, has underlined that this project allows the Basque group to participate "in a fully electric aircraft that can change the aviation industry in a sustainable way".

The alliance with Lilium is the second step that Aernnova has taken in the electric aircraft business, in which it was launched hand in hand with Heart Aerospace. This Swedish firm selected the Basque company to develop the structure of its first electric aircraft ES-19 for short-haul routes, which will enter service in 2026.

Both work together on the wing, fuselage and empennage.

Heart Aerospace counts on this project with financing from a group of investors headed by Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft; and already has orders from United Airlines and Mesa Airlines.