UrbanLink will purchase 20 electric jets from Lilium

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operator UrbanLink has announced the purchase of 20 jets from Lilium N.V. developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jets. The partnership will enable UrbanLink to fly its eVTOL in South Florida with planned future expansion.

South Florida-based UrbanLink is led by Ed Wegel. He is a seasoned airline executive with 40 years of experience in financing, operations, and distribution. The agreement marks the purchase of 20 Lilium jets with scheduled pre-delivery payments. This makes UrbanLink the first airline in the US to commit eVTOL aircraft fleet.

UrbanLink has planned to mobilize the network of Florida vertiports designed and developed by Lilium and its partners over the past five years.

Lilium eVTOL (Image Credit: Lilium)

The Lilium Jet could connect major cities including Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale, and extends across the peninsula to Marco Island. UrbanLink has aimed to launch Lilium eVTOL services by 2026.

The latest orders from UrbanLink come after the start of the first Lilium Jet assembly by the end of last year. The jet is expected to start pilot test by the end of 2024.

“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 a 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.” said Wegel.

(source)