Photo: UrbanLink
Only a few months ago, UrbanLink Air Mobility announced a pioneering agreement with the German eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) maker Lilium, with plans to become the first official eVTOL airline in the US. Now, the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) company has taken a step further through another major partnership, this time with a reputable vertiport developer.
Back in May, the South Florida-based operator had placed a firm order for 20 Lilium eVTOL jets, claiming to become the first airline in the US to integrate this new type of electric aircraft in its fleet. The collaboration stood out in the industry because UrbanLink was not invested in any way in the German manufacturer. According to Sebastien Borel, Lilium's chief commercial officer, this is an indicator of a mature market. eVTOLs have reached a certain level of recognition, and most of the top names are close to full certification.
This new partnership adds an important ingredient to the mix, which is the vertiports. These new-generation electric aircraft are only as good as the infrastructure supporting them, which makes vertiport developers key players in advancing AAM. The pioneering American airline has gained an important partner through this recent collaboration with Ferrovial Vertiports, the AAM subsidiary of infrastructure giant Ferrovial.
Ferrovial will support UrbanLink's goal to launch commercial operations in South Florida and Southern California, and later expand to other key markets across the country. The airline will work on the infrastructure part with Ferrovial on one hand, and prepare for eVTOL operations with Lilium, on the other. UrbanLink has already established scheduled pre-delivery payments for the 20 aircraft, on track to enter service by 2026.
Just two years from now, passengers in South Florida and Southern California will enjoy high-speed, emission-free taxi rides in the sky. As its name suggests, the Lilium jet is designed to match the proven performance of jet engines to electric propulsion. The German manufacturer recently unveiled its full-scale model jet at EBACE 2024.
The Lilium eVTOL jets are assembled in Wessling, Germany, where Lilium operates a testing and manufacturing center, a propulsion and aerostructures facility, a final assembly building, and a battery assembly building. The German company also made sure to secure partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Aciturri and Aernnova, GKN Aerospace, and Honeywell.
Unlike other eVTOLs, this aircraft was designed using the same principles as the jet engine technology that powers most conventional airplanes. This simplified version uses a single-stage rotor/stator system driven by an electric motor. Additionally, the versatile cabin design comes in various configurations, including a six-passenger air taxi version, a luxury four-seat private jet option, and a cargo alternative.
The German-developed Lilium jet is aiming for dual (EASA and FAA) certification by 2026, when it will be ready to kick off air taxi operations in South Florida.
This new partnership adds an important ingredient to the mix, which is the vertiports. These new-generation electric aircraft are only as good as the infrastructure supporting them, which makes vertiport developers key players in advancing AAM. The pioneering American airline has gained an important partner through this recent collaboration with Ferrovial Vertiports, the AAM subsidiary of infrastructure giant Ferrovial.
Ferrovial will support UrbanLink's goal to launch commercial operations in South Florida and Southern California, and later expand to other key markets across the country. The airline will work on the infrastructure part with Ferrovial on one hand, and prepare for eVTOL operations with Lilium, on the other. UrbanLink has already established scheduled pre-delivery payments for the 20 aircraft, on track to enter service by 2026.
Just two years from now, passengers in South Florida and Southern California will enjoy high-speed, emission-free taxi rides in the sky. As its name suggests, the Lilium jet is designed to match the proven performance of jet engines to electric propulsion. The German manufacturer recently unveiled its full-scale model jet at EBACE 2024.
The Lilium eVTOL jets are assembled in Wessling, Germany, where Lilium operates a testing and manufacturing center, a propulsion and aerostructures facility, a final assembly building, and a battery assembly building. The German company also made sure to secure partnerships with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Aciturri and Aernnova, GKN Aerospace, and Honeywell.
Unlike other eVTOLs, this aircraft was designed using the same principles as the jet engine technology that powers most conventional airplanes. This simplified version uses a single-stage rotor/stator system driven by an electric motor. Additionally, the versatile cabin design comes in various configurations, including a six-passenger air taxi version, a luxury four-seat private jet option, and a cargo alternative.
The German-developed Lilium jet is aiming for dual (EASA and FAA) certification by 2026, when it will be ready to kick off air taxi operations in South Florida.
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