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Lilium nabs order for 20 Lilium jets from U.S. Operator UrbanLink

May 20, 2024

Lilium N.V. has announced a deal with advanced air mobility (AAM) operator UrbanLink to operate Lilium Jets in South Florida. As part of the agreement, UrbanLink will purchase 20 Lilium Jets and become the first U.S. airline fully committed to integrating eVTOL aircraft into its fleet.

UrbanLink has raised over $1 billion for aviation ventures and led FAA certifications for two U.S. Part 135 airlines and several U.S. Part 121 carriers. The founder, Ed Wegel, has also served as a board member for private and public airlines including Atlantic Coast Airlines, BWIA International Airlines, and Eastern Airlines.

The partnership between Lilium and UrbanLink marks a significant step in accelerating the adoption of AAM in South Florida. UrbanLink’s entry into the region includes plans to utilize the network of Florida vertiports that Lilium and its partners have developed over the past five years.

The Lilium Jet, with its planned launch range, is set to fulfill this vision by linking major cities such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale, extending seamlessly across the peninsula to Marco Island. The service launch is targeted for 2026.

The first piloted flight test of the Lilium Jet is targeted to occur in late 2024, following the start of assembly of the first Lilium Jet at the end of last year.

Ed Wegel, UrbanLink’s leader, stated, “While many airlines have discussed the potential of operating eVTOL aircraft, none have made a definitive commitment. UrbanLink will be the first airline in the U.S. to integrate eVTOL aircraft into its fleet. We are dedicated to revolutionizing the way people move to and from as well as within urban cores. After thorough evaluation of various manufacturers, we found the Lilium Jet to be the optimal choice for our needs, thanks to its superior cabin design, range, capacity, and cost-effectiveness.”

Sebastien Borel, Lilium’s Chief Commercial Officer, added, “We are proud that UrbanLink has selected the Lilium Jet for its network and operations. This is a huge milestone, not only for Lilium, but for the commercialization of eVTOLs in the U.S. We believe that this purchase of eVTOL aircraft is the first by a commercial operator that isn’t invested in the manufacturer that it is purchasing from. This is a sign that the market for eVTOL aircraft has matured and there is growing demand for aircraft that can provide connections between, rather than just within, cities. I know that Ed has the vision and operational expertise to make regional air mobility a success.”