Germany-based electric flying taxi company Lilium has made significant strides in receiving orders for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jets. The company has announced a major purchase of 20 eVTOL aircraft, with an additional option for 20 more, signaling increased demand in the urban air mobility (UAM) sector.
UrbanLink Orders 20 eVTOL Jets
The latest order comes from UrbanLink, a South Florida-based advanced air mobility startup. The company intends to use these electric aircraft to establish a network of flying taxis across South Florida, connecting key locations via vertiports. Along with the 20 eVTOL jets, UrbanLink has secured the option to purchase 20 more in the future, indicating its confidence in the growing demand for electric flying taxis.
Lilium’s Chief Commercial Officer Sebastien Borel expressed pride in UrbanLink’s choice, stating that it represents a significant milestone for Lilium and for the commercialization of eVTOL technology in the United States. “This is not just a big step for Lilium, but also an indication of the increasing maturity of the eVTOL aircraft market,” he said. Borel highlighted the rising demand for aircraft capable of inter-city connections, rather than just intra-city transportation.
Testing and Certification in Progress
Lilium’s eVTOL jets are not yet ready for delivery, with the first pilot-led test flights scheduled for late this year. The company has recently received its initial set of backup flight instruments from Garmin, which will act as a secondary display in case of cockpit failure. These backup systems will assist Lilium in obtaining dual-type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Lilium has also partnered with an electric vehicle charging infrastructure and microgrid company to provide charging systems for its electric jets. The company has ordered 120 chargers from Star Charge for its ground and flight test vehicles. The chargers are designed with long, liquid-cooled charging cables to ensure high-performance charging.
Expanding Global Presence
The announcement of UrbanLink’s order follows news of Lilium’s collaboration with PhilJets, a jet and helicopter operator in the Philippines, to establish advanced air mobility services in Southeast Asia. This partnership includes the sale of 10 Lilium jets to PhilJets, which plans to develop routes and determine passenger demand for on-demand eVTOL services in the region.
Lilium’s recent orders and partnerships demonstrate the growing interest in electric flying taxis and advanced air mobility. As the company moves closer to certification and delivery, the industry anticipates significant advancements in sustainable urban transportation.
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