Work has begun to establish a network of eVTOL air taxi services in and around Milan in northern Italy. Under a partnership launched Tuesday at the Farnborough Airshow, eVTOL aircraft developer Lilium teamed with SEA Milan Airports and Skyports Infrastructure to develop vertiports. Their first route will connect Malpensa Airport with the city center.
According to Germany-based Lilium, operations with its four- to six-passenger Lilium Jet, which initially will fly to a range of around 95 nm, could start in 2027. The company aims to complete EASA type certification by the end of 2025 and start initial deliveries in 2026.
The Lombardy region, with Milan at its center, accounts for almost one-fifth of the Italian population and draws almost 37 million visitors each year. Malpensa Airport now accommodates an annual throughput of about 26 million passengers.
Skyports is laying plans to develop vertiports at multiple locations around the world and already has forged partnerships with other eVTOL aircraft manufacturers, including Wisk and Volocopter. It is now establishing a joint venture with SEA, and its shareholder 2i Aeroporti to advance plans in Italy.
On Monday, Lilium reported an expansion of its Power-On services to support all aspects of eVTOL air services, including aircraft maintenance. It also released survey findings showing that 71% of the UK population want the option to fly on zero-carbon aircraft.