UrbanLink, an air mobility (AAM) operator, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Lilium, a leading electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer. The partnership includes the purchase of a minimum of 20 all-electric eVTOL jets, marking a significant step towards UrbanLink’s goal of becoming the first fully committed US airline to adopt this cutting-edge technology.
Lilium, a Munich-based startup founded in 2015, has rapidly expanded its presence, with development teams now located across Europe and the United States. With a workforce of approximately 1,000, including 500 aerospace engineers, Lilium is dedicated to bringing its innovative eVTOL Jet design to the forefront of Regional Air Mobility (RAM) operations.
Last autumn, Lilium achieved a milestone by securing development certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), allowing the company to advance its eVTOL jets’ development, testing, and preparation for commercial production and operations.
In February, Lilium announced a partnership with PhilJets, aiming to introduce eVTOL jet rides in the Philippines. Today, the company unveiled another significant collaboration with UrbanLink Air Mobility in the US, featuring a firm order for 20 eVTOL jets, with an option for an additional 20 aircraft, highlighting the industry’s growing interest in this technology.
UrbanLink’s CEO, Ed Wegel, a seasoned aviation industry veteran known for his tenure at GlobalX, Atlantic Coast Airlines, and JetBlue, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “UrbanLink will be the first airline in the US to integrate eVTOL aircraft into its fleet, revolutionizing urban transportation. After evaluating various manufacturers, we found the Lilium Jet to be the optimal choice for its superior cabin design, range, capacity, and cost-effectiveness.”
UrbanLink plans to initially deploy the 20 Lilium eVTOL jets in South Florida, offering emissions-free flight routes between key locations such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Marco Island.
Lilium has commenced production of its first eVTOL jets, targeting piloted flight tests ahead of airworthiness certification by the end of the year. Sebastien Borel, Lilium’s Chief Commercial Officer, commented on the milestone collaboration with UrbanLink, stating, “This purchase of eVTOL aircraft by a commercial operator not invested in the manufacturer demonstrates the maturity of the eVTOL market and the growing demand for intercity air connections. I am confident that Ed’s vision and operational expertise will ensure the success of regional air mobility.”
UrbanLink aims to commence commercial flight operations with the Lilium eVTOL jets by late 2026, ushering in a new era of sustainable and efficient air travel in the United States.