NetJets, the largest private jet provider in the world, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Munich-based startup Lilium to purchase up to 150 all-electric air taxis.
The private jet company will also support Lilium in a private sales campaign to offer its electric jets in fractional shares. In addition, the two companies will explore a business model for the operation of Lilium’s network in Florida as well as other regions in the US and Europe.
Lilium is already building a transportation hub in Orlando, Florida, and its jets are expected to launch commercial operations in 2024. The Lilium Jet’s flexible cabin architecture enables a range of configurations, including four-passenger (luxury) and six-passenger (shuttle) versions, with a seat for a pilot.
NetJets’ strong owner base will provide Lilium with scale and support for its ecosystem in the US, where plans for a Florida transport hub continue to progress. The collaboration is also expected to boost Lilium’s commercial ambitions in Florida and other US markets and would create supplemental direct sales opportunities. The Lilium Jets with zero operating emission will allow NetJets to advance its sustainability efforts by offering its customer base regional transportation alternatives.
Also, Lilium has partnered with the US flight training company FlightSafety International to provide products and services. FlightSafety will provide training for the pilots and develop operational infrastructure. “Our focus on technology and adaptive learning will help prepare aviation professionals with the highest levels of expertise to support the operation of the Lilium Jet,” said Brad Thress, President, and CEO of FlightSafety International.
“This partnership is a major step in our mission to build radically better ways of moving and to electrify regional air travel,” said Daniel Wiegand, Co-Founder, and CEO of Lilium. “We believe that the private and business professional segments will be highly attractive markets in the future and, likewise, early adopters of the eVTOL revolution. We couldn’t be happier to collaborate with NetJets and FlightSafety to electrify this market and hope to forge a long-term strategic partnership to bring high speed regional electric air mobility to the world.”
