US operator UrbanLink orders 20 Lilium Jets

Lilium N.V., developer of an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet, is partnering with advanced air mobility (AAM) operator UrbanLink Air Mobility LLC to operate Lilium Jets in South Florida. As part of the agreement, UrbanLink will purchase 20 Lilium Jets, with scheduled pre-delivery payments, to become the first airline in the U.S. fully committed to integrating eVTOL aircraft into its fleet.

Newly launched, UrbanLink is led by Ed Wegel, an airline executive with 40 years of experience in financing, operations, and distribution. Wegel has raised more than $1 billion for aviation ventures and led FAA certifications for two U.S. Part 135 airlines and several U.S. Part 121 carriers, including achieving the 2014 certification of Eastern Air Lines' 737-800 fleet in a record-breaking eight months. Most recently, Wegel served as CEO & founder of GlobalX, an American charter airline. Wegel has also served as a board member for private and public airlines including Atlantic Coast Airlines, BWIA International Airlines, and Eastern Airlines. He was also a key developer of JetBlue’s initial business plan.

Wegel said, “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 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.”

Lilium's partnership with UrbanLink marks a critical milestone in accelerating the adoption of AAM in South Florida. UrbanLink’s entry into the region includes plans to use the network of Florida vertiports that Lilium and its partners have diligently worked on during the past five years.

UrbanLink sees eVTOLs as a key driver of sustainable regional connectivity across South Florida. The Lilium Jet, with its planned launch range, is expected to link major cities such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale, extending across the peninsula to Marco Island. The service launch is targeted for 2026.

Sebastien Borel, Lilium’s chief commercial officer, said, “We are proud that UrbanLink has selected the Lilium Jet for its network and operations. This is a huge milestone, not only for Lilium, but for the commercialization of eVTOLs in the U.S. We believe this purchase of eVTOL aircraft is the first by a commercial operator that isn’t invested in the manufacturer it’s purchasing from. This is a sign that the market for eVTOL aircraft has matured and there’s growing demand for aircraft that can provide connections between, rather than just within, cities. I know Ed has the vision and operational expertise to make regional air mobility a success.”

This order follows the start of assembly of the first Lilium Jet at the end of last year with the first piloted flight test of the Lilium Jet targeted to occur in late 2024.

In previously announced news, Lilium selected Honeywell to supply propulsion unit position sensors for the Lilium Jet. Honeywell designed these sensors, known as resolvers, specifically for the needs of the Lilium Jet. The solid-state resolvers use patented spiral magnet technology and magneto resistive sensors that can determine the position of magnetic objects. The resolvers are substantially less expensive and lighter-weight than traditional counterparts composed of coils of copper wire and magnetic steel. The sensors will play a critical role in accurately sensing the engine’s position, ensuring that the jet can safely reach the exact position required for a successful takeoff.

Honeywell is an investor in Lilium and supplies many key components for the Lilium Jet, including e-motors for the engines, avionics, onboard thermal management systems, and the flight control computer.