Swiss private jet and helicopter operator Air-Dynamic just signed an agreement with Germany-based Lilium to take five Lilium Jet eVTOLs. The company plans to operate and manage the all-electric aircraft for customers in Switzerland. Air-Dynamic selected the Lilium Pioneer Edition model, which features a four-seat club-configured cabin rather than the standard six-passenger layout. The order is backed by an unspecified deposit.
Lilium (Booth D32) is building just 50 examples of the Pioneer Edition, for which customers can specify their preferred fabrics and other materials. Prices range from $7 million to $10 million per aircraft, depending on the interior fittings and other specifications. In December, private aircraft management and charter group Volare agreed to buy up to 20 Pioneer Edition eVTOLs for its new eVolare division. At the time, Lilium said that the pre-delivery deposit payment would be up to 50 percent of the purchase price.
The Lilium Jet has 30 electric ducted fan motors installed in its wing and canard and is projected to have a range of up to 155 miles. Lilium aims to complete EASA type certification under the new SC-VTOL standards in 2025.
Lugano-based Air-Dynamic has around 20 years of experience operating charter flights and managing aircraft for private owners. Its fleet includes a pair of Pilatus PC-12 turboprop singles, as well as several jets and helicopters.
According to Air-Dynamic CEO Raffaella Meledandri, the operator plans to offer flights from Lugano in southern Switzerland to Milan city center. This is a distance of just over 50 miles but the drive can take at least 90 minutes. It will also fly to tourist destinations such as Lake Como and Capri.
“With today’s partnership, Lilium deepens its reach into Europe’s premium travel market,” said Lilium’s chief commercial officer Sebastien Borel. “We’re leveraging Air-Dynamic’s innovative and entrepreneurial approach to operating and managing private jets and helicopters in the region. This partnership fits well in our commercial first phase strategy to engage the premium segment with our impressive Lilium Pioneer Edition.”
In March 2022, NetJets agreed to add up to 150 Lilium Jets to its fractional ownership fleet. Other prospective customers include Saudi Arabian Airlines, Globe Air, Helity Copter Airlines, ASL Group, ASL Aviation, and Bristow.