Lilium N.V., SEA, and Skyports Infrastructure have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) laying the groundwork for the development of a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) network in the Lombardy region in the north of Italy.
Lilium is a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), and SEA operates Milan’s airports, while Skyports is a leader in vertiport infrastructure for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.
With the signing of the MoU, the parties will collaborate to launch a vertiport network with operators of the Lilium Jet as soon as 2027. SEA will contribute as majority shareholder, providing airport management capability and deep knowledge of the region’s aviation and infrastructure ecosystem.
Skyports will provide its industry-leading expertise and experience in the development and integration of vertiport infrastructure, working closely with SEA on the operation of the vertiports.
Lilium brings aircraft expertise and its pioneering Lilium Jet, designed to offer industry-leading capacity, the longest operational range at the highest speed, with minimal noise, while maintaining zero operating emissions.
The Lombardy region is a strategically important location for the partners. Home to nearly a fifth of Italy’s population and with over 37 million visitors annually, regional air mobility will complement and integrate with the region’s existing mobility solutions to provide faster, low emission travel between key locations.
The project formalised by the MoU will allow for the establishment of a network of attractive routes for the operation of the Lilium Jet and other eVTOL aircraft, enhancing accessibility and connectivity for regional air mobility. It will facilitate the fast and efficient movement of people and will be instrumental in delivering some of the first premium eVTOL flights within Europe.
Sebastien Borel, Chief Commercial Officer of Lilium, said, “As we continue to collaborate with key partners globally, with strong expertise and experience in key markets, this partnership will help to unlock new potential for regional air transport infrastructure in Northern Italy.
“This partnership will support our vision of pioneering a new era of regional air mobility in Europe with the electrification of premium tourist routes in the region.”
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, added, “We’re bringing together key partners to introduce regional air mobility services. With significant support from aviation and infrastructure stakeholders, including our investor 2i Aeroporti, this partnership demonstrates Italy’s readiness to launch the next generation of aviation.”
