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.

Managing Editor

Lilium has started assembling the first of the seven aircraft it will use to complete type certification for its six-passenger eVTOL vehicles. Announcing the milestone on September 19, the German company said it is on track to achieve a first crewed flight with the Lilium Jet in late 2024.
The fuselages have been developed in collaboration with aerostructures specialist Aciturri, which is making them at its plant in Valladolid, Spain. The first shipset is expected to be delivered to the Lilium final assembly line at Wessling, near Munich, in the fourth quarter of this year.
Tier-one supplier Aciturri, which is an investor in Lilium, has nearly 50 years of experience contributing to commercial aircraft programs. It has handled the design and manufacturing of major airframe components for models including the Airbus A350, A320, and A400M, as well as the Boeing 787 and Embraer KC390.
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 <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/futureflight/import/IMG_9951.JPG" width="5616" height="3744" alt="Acirurri builds eVTOL aircraft fuselages for Lilium" title="Lilium managers, including COO Yves Yemsi (left), examine the first fuselages for the Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft being built by its partner and investor Aciturri in Spain. (Image: Lilium)">

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 <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Lilium managers, including COO Yves Yemsi (left), examine the first fuselages for the Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft being built by its partner and investor Aciturri in Spain. (Image: Lilium)</div>
 
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<figcaption>Lilium managers, including COO Yves Yemsi (left), examine the first fuselages for the Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft being built by its partner and investor Aciturri in Spain. (Image: Lilium)</figcaption>
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In August, leadership teams from Lilium and Aciturri reviewed and approved&nbsp;the initial industrial production components and process. “Aciturri is committed to playing a leading role in the transformation of sustainable regional air mobility, which supports Europe’s goals of achieving climate neutrality,” said the company’s CEO, Maria Eugenia Clemente. “We are fully aligned with Lilium’s vision and design, and we are delighted to have evolved our partnership to such a foundational stage towards the birth of the Lilium Jet.”
Lilium’s <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-07-14/lilium-boosts-capital-base-raising-292-million-new-funding-round">eVTOL model</a> features a fixed wing and 30 ducted fan electric motors. Following projected type certification in late 2025, the company is aiming to achieve first deliveries to operators in 2026, with two versions developed for both scheduled services and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-05-24/lilium-displays-mock-pioneer-edition-evtol-aircraft-and-books-eleven-more">private flight charters</a>. The aircraft is expected to have a range of up to around 155 miles.
“This phase is more than just a technical step—it’s a clear signal to all Lilium stakeholders of our commitment to making regional air mobility more efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable,” commented Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe. “As we assemble the fuselage, we are also crafting a transformative flying experience while upholding our promise of unparalleled efficiency, comfort, and safety.”
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Charles Alcock

Lilium says it will start testing the first of seven eVTOL prototype aircraft by the end of 2024. (Image: Lilium)

Lilium and Aciturri Start Building First eVTOL Aircraft for Certification Flight Tests

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