MIAMI- Lilium, the developer behind the pioneering all-electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) jet and a leader in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), has announced a strategic partnership with advanced air mobility (AAM) operator UrbanLink to operate Lilium Jets in South Florida.
Under this collaboration, UrbanLink will procure 20 Lilium Jets, with pre-delivery payments scheduled, marking it as the first airline in the U.S. fully committed to integrating eVTOL aircraft into its fleet.
Photo: LiliumUrbanLink Orders 20 Lilium Aircraft
UrbanLink, helmed by Ed Wegel, a seasoned airline executive with over 40 years of experience in financing, operations, and distribution, leads this endeavor.
Wegel’s track record includes raising over $1 billion for aviation ventures and overseeing FAA certifications for two U.S. Part 135 airlines and multiple U.S. Part 121 carriers. Notably, he achieved the 2014 certification of Eastern Air Lines’ 737-800 fleet in a record-breaking eight months.
Photo: LiliumHe served as CEO & Founder of GlobalX, recognized as America’s fastest-growing charter airline. Wegel’s extensive background also encompasses board memberships in private and public airlines like Atlantic Coast Airlines, BWIA International Airlines, and Eastern Airlines, as well as pivotal involvement in JetBlue’s initial business plan.
“While numerous airlines have explored the potential of operating eVTOL aircraft, none have made a definitive commitment. UrbanLink is set to become the first U.S. airline to integrate eVTOL aircraft into its fleet. We are committed to transforming urban mobility, and after meticulous evaluation of various manufacturers, we have determined that the Lilium Jet is the optimal choice for our requirements, given its exceptional cabin design, range, capacity, and cost-effectiveness.”
Ed Wegel, Founder of UrbanLink and Air Flo
Photo: LiliumFurther, he expressed his thoughts on LinkedIn and wrote,
“Today, we have announced the launch of UrbanLink Air Mobility with our new partners at Lilium Jet. We thank Lilium for their confidence in us as the first e-vtol operator in the US. Being chosen first is humbling, and we understand our important role in making this technology available and accepted worldwide..”
“This is close to being my last rodeo (AirFlo and the Airbus A220s are still coming!)- and maybe the most important one ever- as we work to commercialize the new electric VTOL technology to help slow down the climate effects of air travel.”
Photo: LiliumFuture is Here
Lilium’s collaboration with UrbanLink represents a significant advancement in accelerating the adoption of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in South Florida.
UrbanLink’s entry into the region entails leveraging the network of Florida vertiports, a culmination of the concerted efforts of Lilium and its partners over the past five years.
UrbanLink perceives eVTOLs as pivotal for fostering sustainable regional connectivity across South Florida. Using the Lilium Jet’s planned launch range, UrbanLink aims to actualize this vision by establishing links between major cities such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale, extending seamlessly across the peninsula to Marco Island. The targeted launch for this service is set for 2026.
Photo: LiliumSebastien Borel, Lilium’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed,
“We are honored that UrbanLink has chosen the Lilium Jet for its network and operations. This represents a significant milestone, not just for Lilium, but for the commercialization of eVTOLs in the U.S. We view this procurement of eVTOL aircraft as the first by a commercial operator not invested in the manufacturer it is acquiring from. It underscores the maturation of the eVTOL aircraft market and the escalating demand for aircraft capable of intercity connections rather than solely intracity operations. I am confident that Ed possesses the vision and operational acumen to ensure the success of regional air mobility.”
This order follows the commencement of the assembly of the first Lilium Jet toward the end of last year, with the first piloted flight test of the Lilium Jet slated for late 2024.
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