The future of transportation for South Florida is taking flight, and it’s electric.
Lilium N.V. (NASDAQ: LILM), a pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jets, has joined forces with UrbanLink, a groundbreaking advanced air mobility (AAM) operator.
Th new partnership aims to establish eVTOL regional air travel in South Florida.
The eVTOL Lilium Jet
Lilium has emerged as a major player in the race to develop commercially viable eVTOL aircraft. Their flagship creation, the Lilium Jet, boasts a sleek design and impressive capabilities.
Unlike conventional airplanes, eVTOL jets require no runway for takeoff or landing, offering a unique solution for congested urban areas.
The Lilium Jet leverages a network of distributed landing pads, called vertiports, situated strategically throughout a city.
This allows for point-to-point travel, eliminating the need for long commutes to and from traditional airports.
UrbanLink: Industry Experience
UrbanLink, led by the highly regarded aviation expert Ed Wegel, brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Wegel boasts a 40-year career in the aviation industry. he has a proven track record in financing, operations, and navigating the complexities of regulatory approvals.
Purchase of 20 Lilium Jets
UrbanLink’s firm commitment to eVTOL technology is highlighted by their purchase of 20 Lilium Jets, secured with pre-delivery payments. This decisive move positions them as one of the first U.S. operators to fully embrace the potential of eVTOL aircraft.
“UrbanLink is dedicated to being a leader in this transformative shift,” Wegel remarked. “After a thorough evaluation of various eVTOL manufacturers, the Lilium Jet stood out. This was due to its superior cabin design, impressive range, passenger capacity, and cost-effectiveness.”
“This partnership with Lilium allows us to revolutionize the way people travel within and around major South Florida cities.”
South Florida Vertiport Network
The collaboration extends beyond simply acquiring eVTOL jets. Lilium and UrbanLink are actively involved in developing a network of vertiports across South Florida.
This infrastructure will be crucial for ensuring seamless connectivity between key destinations such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Marco Island.
With a targeted launch date set for 2026, this partnership promises to reshape regional air travel in South Florida, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional transportation options.
“We are incredibly proud to have UrbanLink select the Lilium Jet as their aircraft of choice,” expressed Sebastien Borel, Lilium’s Chief Commercial Officer.
“This partnership signifies a major step forward for Lilium, and for the commercialization of eVTOL technology in the United States.”
“Notably, this is the first instance of a completely independent commercial operator purchasing eVTOL aircraft.”
“This development underscores a maturing market with a growing demand for intercity connections, not just intra-city travel.”
The significance of this partnership extends beyond South Florida. The successful execution of this project will pave the way for more widespread adoption of eVTOL technology.
With the first Lilium Jet assembly commencing late last year and the anticipated first piloted flight test scheduled for later in 2024, the future of electric air travel is taking shape.
This partnership between Lilium and UrbanLink promises to transform the way we travel, offering a quieter, cleaner, and more convenient transportation option for the residents and visitors of South Florida.
As the technology matures and the network of vertiports expands, we can expect to see this revolutionary mode of travel take flight in cities across the world.
