Lilium Completes Final Audit Towards EASA Design Organization Approval

Completion of the DOA audit is a key milestone in Lilium’s progress towards becoming an EASA DOA holder and demonstrates the company has necessary organization, procedures, competencies, and resources to design and certify aircraft By Joe Macey / 07 Jul 2023
Follow AAMi

Lilium has successfully completed the fourth and final Design Organization Approval (DOA) audit by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The successful completion of the DOA audit is a key milestone in Lilium’s progress towards becoming an EASA DOA holder, a requirement for aircraft manufacturers, and demonstrates the company has the necessary organization, procedures, competencies, and resources to design and certify aircraft.

EASA grants DOA holders’ special privileges. In particular DOA holders can:

  • Have compliance documents accepted by the Agency without further verification
  • Perform activities independently from the Agency

In collaboration with EASA, Lilium is pursuing a DOA specifically tailored for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and electric propulsion certification.

“In simple terms, a Design Organisation Approval can be thought of as a ‘licence to operate.’ An aerospace company in Europe can neither hold a Type Certificate, nor undertake or approve design activity without having a DOA. Successfully completing the fourth and final DOA Audit pays tribute to the calibre of our team and the rigour of our design processes,” said Alastair McIntosh, Lilium Chief Technology Officer.

Lilium applied for EASA DOA in 2017 and has since been working to develop, implement, and demonstrate the appropriate systems and resources. Having completed this fourth EASA audit, Lilium will now enter the final phase of the DOA process – the follow up and closure of outstanding actions and administrative steps to complete the process. Satisfactory conclusion of this phase leads to the issuance of the DOA certificate, targeted for later this year.

In parallel with the ongoing DOA process, Lilium continues to make substantial progress towards type certification of its Lilium Jet. Lilium was awarded its EASA certification basis for the Lilium Jet in 2020. EASA’s requirements (SC-VTOL), published in 2019 after extensive industry consultation, represent the highest safety objectives globally for eVTOL aircraft. As previously announced, Lilium has submitted 100% of its proposed certification plans for the Lilium Jet, with 78% of the Means of Compliance agreed or accepted.

The FAA issued its G-1 for the Lilium Jet last month, making Lilium the only eVTOL manufacturer with both an EASA and FAA certification basis for a powered lift eVTOL aircraft.

Posted by Joe Macey Edited by Joseph Macey, Editor and Copywriter and experienced journalist with an active interest in advanced air mobility. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Vertical Secures $60 Million to Advance eVTOL Development

Vertical Aerospace has completed its public offering, raising $60 million to progress aviation research, development, and testing capabilities

Jul 15, 2025
Partnership to Explore Air Taxi Services in Ajman

Skyports and Ajman Transport Authority will collaborate on smart aerial mobility, exploring air taxi services and infrastructure development

Jul 14, 2025
LYNEports Collaborates to Accelerate Sustainable UAM Solutions Worldwide

LYNEports is partnering with Eyrie Aero and ELSA Industry to accelerate worldwide UAM through AI-driven vertiport planning, green hydrogen integration, and scalable eVTOL infrastructure solutions

Jul 11, 2025
Flying Car Owners to Gain Access to New Pilot Training Program

Samson Sky has revealed plans for a pilot training program for Switchblade Flying Car customers and those who just want to earn their 'wings'

Jul 10, 2025
ARC Aerosystems Partnership to Accelerate VTOL Introduction in Japan

AirMobility and ARC Aerosystems have signed an MoU, collaborating to expand ARC’s VTOL aircraft, including the Pegasus 3, and AAM solutions in Japan

Jul 08, 2025
Archer Completes Initial Midnight eVTOL Flight in Abu Dhabi

Archer has launched flight testing of its Midnight eVTOL in Abu Dhabi, advancing certification efforts and preparing for commercial air taxi services in the UAE

Jul 07, 2025