A potential operation in the U.S. and Europe is planned for the eVTOLs in the fractional provider’s fleet.
Lilium has revealed this week that its eVTOLs will be added to the fleet of fractional airline NetJets, according to a memorandum of understanding signed this week. Both Lilium’s six-passenger model and NetJets’ eight-passenger model could be operated internationally.
Lilium, a Germany-based aircraft operator, announced that NetJets would operate the aircraft as well as partner with Lilium in its Florida and other service networks. Under Lilium’s existing Part 135 air operator certificate, NetJets could potentially run Lilium’s services in Florida. Virtiports, such as those near Lake Nona near Orlando, will provide eVTOL connections between cities in Florida in November 2020.
The new sector will have a hard time getting off the ground if they annoy their neighbors.
With Lilium’s eVTOL, commercial services are expected to begin in 2024. Investors have been told the company will release design data to its supply chain during the second quarter, but it hasn’t said when flight testing will begin. There are still flight tests being conducted on the ducted-fan, fixed-wing model of the company.
