Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

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Charles Alcock

Read the latest news about German eVTOL developer Lilium.

The European investors who recently lost out to Archer Aviation in efforts to acquire the assets of Lilium have turned their attention to another VTOL aircraft start-up. On November 11, the Advanced Air Mobility Group (AAMG) announced that it has agreed to invest in Zuri’s plans to bring a multi-role hybrid-electric aircraft to market.
Amsterdam-based AAMG has not specified how much fresh capital it is providing for Czech company Zuri, which was formed in 2017. In October, it confirmed that it had been willing to spend €30 million (about $35 million) to acquire the assets and intellectual property for Lilium’s defunct eVTOL aircraft program before the German company’s bankruptcy administrator accepted a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-10-15/archer-obtains-liliums-evtol-patent-portfolio">lower bid from Archer</a>.
This week’s announcement also said that AAMG plans to place an unspecified number of orders for both uncrewed and optionally piloted examples of the Zuri aircraft. These could be used for logistics, cargo, and defense applications, and could also carry up to four passengers.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Zuri hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcc63cc8-17ff-47f9-85e0-170e56b81208" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zuri-Tarmac%20copy.png" width="4000" height="1210" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Zuri expects its hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft to operate in both crewed and uncrewed mode for civil and defense applications.</figcaption>
</figure>

“This partnership marks a clear step towards delivering transformative long-range regional capabilities through hybrid-electric aviation,” said Robert Kamp, AAMG’s CEO and senior partner. “Zuri’s manned and unmanned platforms provide class-leading performance for both cargo and civilian VTOL operations. They have a compelling vision that maximizes the impact of our vertiport network and regional air mobility.”
AAMG had planned to be a customer for the six-passenger Lilium Jet. Its business model was based on developing <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-09-09/bidder-liliums-assets-sees-opportunity-despite-complications">networks of vertiports</a> across various specific European regions, including the south of France, the Benelux countries, and Italy.
<h2>Design Changes Pending</h2>
The Zuri aircraft is expected to have a range of around 380 nm, with a 30-minute energy reserve and cruise speeds of up to 190 knots. Design drawings show eight tilting propellers, with four sets mounted on the wing and the other four on a V-shaped tail.
In April 2023, the Prague-based company announced the launch of a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-04-20/czech-startup-seeks-funding-hybrid-electric-vtol">Series A funding round</a> to raise around €15 million. In December 2024, it confirmed that €4.4 million had been raised, with the main backers including the Pale Fire Capital private equity group.
Zuri’s engineering team has built and flown a technology demonstrator with a 36-foot wingspan. The next step is to complete a more advanced demonstrator with a fully integrated hybrid powertrain, more advanced tiltrotors, and a redesigned tail section.
“AAMG brings not only investment but also experience and an international network that strengthens our ability to accelerate certification and production toward operational deployment,” said Zuri CEO Michal Illich. “This partnership reinforces Zuri’s mission to deliver sustainable hybrid-electric aviation across defense and civilian markets.”

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