next stage in our rapid evolution from an idea to the production of a commercially successful aircraft that will revolutionise the way we travel in and around the world ’ s cities . It makes Lilium one of the best funded electric aircraft projects in the world . Our backers recognise that Lilium ’ s innovative eVTOL technology puts us in the lead in this exciting new industry , with no other company promising the economy , speed , range and low-noise levels of the Lilium Jet .”

The investment will be used for the development of the five-seat Lilium jet that will fly commercially , as well as to grow Lilium ’ s existing team of 70 employees . The company is aiming for its first manned flight in 2019 , with a fully-functional jet . By 2025 , on-demand air transport will start to become a reality .

In April , Lilium achieved a world first when the full-sized prototype successfully performed its most complicated manoeuvre – transitioning between hover mode and horizontal flight . There ’ s still a lot of work to be done before the first manned flight but the statistics look promising . Lilium says the jet will be able to travel 70km in just 15 minutes , allowing workers to escape the city in record time .

Lilium ’ s website also states its plans for costings , in comparison with getting a regular road taxi from Manhattan to JFK airport . Taking a car currently costs $ 56-73 . Initial pricing for the

DANIEL WIEGAND Lilium ’ s co-founder and CEO

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