Fractional ownership company NetJets has agreed to add 150 of Lilium’s eVTOL aircraft to its fleet. Under a memorandum of understanding, the U.S.-based group has secured purchase rights for the six-passenger model, which could be operated in both the U.S. and Europe.
In a February 28 statement to Lilium investors, the German company said that NetJets might get involved in supporting sales of the Lilium Jet to private owners. NetJets would operate the aircraft and might also become a flight operations partner for Lilium’s planned service network in Florida and other locations.
The details of the proposed deal are subject to commercial terms being finalized. Lilium indicated to its shareholders that the arrangement could be based on a similar strategic collaboration announced with Brazilian aircraft operator Azul last year. “This proposed NetJets alliance would represent another step towards building up a diversified order backlog in different markets and segments which will support revenue predictability, industry planning, and supply-chain visibility,” the company said in a statement.
Plans call for NetJets to potentially run Lilium’s services in Florida under its existing Part 135 air operator certificate. In 2021, Lilium announced plans to provide eVTOL connections between larger cities in central and south Florida, built around a network of vertiports at locations such as the Lake Nona community near Orlando.
The manufacturer has also unveiled some cabin concepts for a premium four-passenger version to be offered as an alternative to the standard six-passenger cabin. The aircraft will be flown by a single pilot and the manufacturer is now laying plans for larger versions with between 10 and 15 seats.
Lilium is aiming to certify the Lilium Jet and start commercial services in 2024. It has not said when it will start flight testing a preproduction prototype but has told investors that it will release design data to its supply chain during the second quarter of 2022. The company is still flight testing its five-seat technology demonstrator of the ducted fan, fixed-wing model.
In May 2021, Lilium announced a partnership with business aircraft operator Luxaviation. Under the agreement, Europe-based Luxaviation will take responsibility for securing regulatory approvals and managing pilots, who will train following an EASA-approved type rating concept developed by Lufthansa Aviation Training.
