UrbanLink Partners with Lilium to Integrate eVTOL Aircraft in South Florida

Revolutionizing Regional Air Mobility with Sustainable Solutions

UrbanLink Air Mobility LLC, a South Florida-based start-up, is poised to reshape transportation as the first provider of all-electric zero-emission advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions in the United States. In a groundbreaking move, UrbanLink has forged a partnership with Lilium N.V. (NASDAQ:LILM), a global pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), to integrate Lilium Jets into its fleet, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of AAM technology.

Led by Ed Wegel, a veteran airline executive with over 40 years of experience, UrbanLink aims to usher in a new era of transportation by leveraging cutting-edge eVTOL aircraft. The partnership with Lilium entails the purchase of 20 Lilium Jets, cementing UrbanLink’s commitment to integrating eVTOLs into its operations and revolutionizing urban transportation.

Wegel’s extensive background in aviation financing, operations, and aircraft certification positions UrbanLink as a frontrunner in the AAM sector. His leadership has been instrumental in bringing new aircraft types into service in the US market and achieving FAA certifications for various airlines, underscoring his capability to drive innovation in air transportation.

“UrbanLink will be the first airline in the U.S. to integrate eVTOL aircraft into its fleet,” Wegel stated. “We are dedicated to revolutionizing the way people move to and from as well as within urban cores.” He emphasized the meticulous evaluation process that led to selecting the Lilium Jet for its superior design, range, capacity, and cost-effectiveness.

Sebastien Borel, Lilium’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed pride in UrbanLink’s decision, highlighting the significance of this partnership for the commercialization of eVTOLs in the U.S. “This is a huge milestone, not only for Lilium, the commercialization of eVTOLs in the U.S.,” Borel remarked. “…This is a sign that the market for eVTOL aircraft has matured and there is growing demand for aircraft that can provide connections between, rather than just within, cities.”

The collaboration between UrbanLink and Lilium signifies a critical step forward in accelerating the adoption of AAM in South Florida. UrbanLink plans to leverage Lilium’s network of Florida vertiports to establish seamless connectivity between major cities such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale, with service extending across the peninsula to Marco Island. The launch of operations is targeted for 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

UrbanLink’s vision extends beyond South Florida, with plans to expand into other markets, including Los Angeles, playing a pivotal role in integrating AAM into existing transportation infrastructure. By harnessing leading composite airframe and electric engine technology, UrbanLink aims to enhance connectivity and sustainability while addressing urban congestion and environmental challenges.

As UrbanLink charts the course for the future of regional air mobility, Wegel remains committed to assembling a world-class team of aviation professionals and strategic partners to accelerate certification and drive growth in the AAM sector. His keynote presentation at CoMotion Miami 2024 will shed light on the challenges and opportunities in making urban air mobility a reality, further solidifying UrbanLink’s position as a leader in the industry.

The partnership between UrbanLink and Lilium represents a significant stride towards realizing the potential of AAM to revolutionize urban transportation and create smarter, more efficient mobility solutions for communities worldwide.

Read more:

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

Subscribe to DroneLife here.