Lilium, the creator of the eVTOL Lilium Jet, has unveiled its collaboration with advanced air mobility (AAM) operator UrbanLink to deploy Lilium Jets in South Florida. As part of the agreement, UrbanLink will procure 20 Lilium Jets, with pre-delivery payments scheduled, becoming the inaugural airline in the U.S. fully dedicated to integrating eVTOL aircraft into its fleet.
UrbanLink, spearheaded by Ed Wegel, a seasoned airline executive with 40 years of expertise in financing, operations and distribution, is the newly launched entity behind this venture. Wegel has secured over US$1 billion for aviation endeavours and spearheaded FAA certifications for two U.S. Part 135 airlines and several U.S. Part 121 carriers. Notably, he achieved the 2014 certification of Eastern Air Lines’ 737-800 fleet in only eight months. Wegel’s most recent role was as CEO and founder of GlobalX, America’s fastest-growing charter airline. Furthermore, Wegel has held board positions for private and public airlines, including Atlantic Coast Airlines, BWIA International Airlines, and Eastern Airlines and played a pivotal role in developing JetBlue’s initial business strategy.
Lilium’s partnership with UrbanLink represents a significant stride in accelerating the adoption of AAM in South Florida. UrbanLink’s foray into the region includes utilising the network of Florida vertiports, a project Lilium and its partners have diligently cultivated over the past five years.
UrbanLink views eVTOL jets as crucial in fostering sustainable regional connectivity across South Florida. The Lilium Jet, with its projected range upon launch, is poised to realise this vision by connecting major cities such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, seamlessly extending across the peninsula to Marco Island. The service launch is slated for 2026.
This procurement follows the initiation of assembly of the first Lilium Jet towards the end of last year, with the inaugural piloted flight test of the Lilium Jet anticipated to take place in late 2024.
