Lilium, SEA Milan Airports and Skyports to Launch Regional Air Mobility Network in Northern Italy
Lilium, SEA Milan Airports, and Skyports Infrastructure have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a passenger eVTOL network in Italy's Lombardy region. The partnership aims to launch vertiport operations by 2027, with SEA as the majority shareholder, Skyports providing infrastructure expertise, and Lilium contributing its pioneering Lilium Jet.
The initial route will connect Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan city center, enhancing regional connectivity. SEA, Skyports, and 2i Aeroporti are forming a joint venture for vertiport development and operations in Lombardy and Italy. This collaboration aligns with Italy's proactive stance on Innovative Air Mobility, supported by ENAC's comprehensive national rulebook for VTOL-capable aircraft.
Lilium, SEA aeroporti di Milano e Skyports Infrastructure hanno firmato un Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) per sviluppare una rete di eVTOL per passeggeri nella regione Lombardia, in Italia. La partnership mira a lanciare operazioni di vertiporti entro il 2027, con SEA come azionista di maggioranza, Skyports che fornisce esperienza infrastrutturale e Lilium che contribuisce con il suo innovativo Lilium Jet.
Il primo collegamento collegherà l'aeroporto di Milano Malpensa al centro città di Milano, migliorando la connettività regionale. SEA, Skyports e 2i Aeroporti stanno formando una joint venture per lo sviluppo e le operazioni dei vertiporti in Lombardia e in Italia. Questa collaborazione è in linea con l'approccio proattivo dell'Italia sulla Mobilità Aerea Innovativa, supportata dal completo regolamento nazionale di ENAC per gli aeromobili VTOL.
Lilium, SEA Aeropuertos de Milán y Skyports Infrastructure han firmado un Memorando de Entendimiento (MoU) para desarrollar una red de eVTOL para pasajeros en la región de Lombardía, Italia. La asociación tiene como objetivo lanzar operaciones de vertiport para el 2027, siendo SEA el accionista mayoritario, Skyports proporcionando experiencia en infraestructura, y Lilium aportando su innovador Lilium Jet.
La ruta inicial conectará el Aeropuerto de Milán Malpensa con el centro de la ciudad de Milán, mejorando la conectividad regional. SEA, Skyports y 2i Aeroporti están formando una empresa conjunta para el desarrollo y las operaciones de vertiport en Lombardía y Italia. Esta colaboración se alinea con la postura proactiva de Italia sobre la Movilidad Aérea Innovadora, respaldada por el completo reglamento nacional de ENAC para aeronaves capaces de VTOL.
Lilium, SEA 밀라노 공항 및 Skyports Infrastructure가 이탈리아 롬바르디아 지역에서 승객 eVTOL 네트워크를 개발하기 위한 양해각서(MoU)를 체결했습니다. 이 파트너십은 2027년까지 버티포트 운영을 시작하는 것을 목표로 하며, SEA가 대주주로 참여하고, Skyports가 인프라 전문성을 제공하며, Lilium이 자사의 선도적인 Lilium Jet을 기여합니다.
초기 노선은 밀라노 말펜사 공항과 밀라노 시내를 연결하여 지역 연결성을 강화합니다. SEA, Skyports 및 2i Aeroporti는 롬바르디아 및 이탈리아의 버티포트 개발 및 운영을 위한 합작기업을 결성하고 있습니다. 이 협력은 VTOL 기체에 대한 ENAC의 포괄적인 국가 규정을 지원하는 이탈리아의 혁신적인 공중 이동성에 대한 적극적인 태도와 일치합니다.
Lilium, SEA Aéroports de Milan et Skyports Infrastructure ont signé un Protocole d'Accord (MoU) pour développer un réseau eVTOL pour passagers dans la région Lombardie en Italie. Ce partenariat vise à lancer des opérations de vertiports d'ici 2027, avec SEA comme actionnaire majoritaire, Skyports fournissant une expertise en infrastructure, et Lilium contribuant avec son fuselage innovant, le Lilium Jet.
La première ligne reliera L'aéroport de Milan Malpensa au centre-ville de Milan, améliorant ainsi la connectivité régionale. SEA, Skyports et 2i Aeroporti forment une coentreprise pour le développement et les opérations des vertiports en Lombardie et en Italie. Cette collaboration est conforme à l'approche proactive de l'Italie en matière de Mobilité Aérienne Innovante, soutenue par le règlement national complet de l'ENAC pour les aéronefs capables de VTOL.
Lilium, SEA Mailand Flughäfen und Skyports Infrastructure haben ein Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) unterzeichnet, um ein eVTOL-Netzwerk für Passagiere in der italienischen Region Lombardei zu entwickeln. Die Partnerschaft zielt darauf ab, bis 2027 Vertiport-Operationen zu starten, wobei SEA der Mehrheitsaktionär ist, Skyports Expertise im Bereich Infrastruktur bereitstellt und Lilium sein wegweisendes Lilium Jet beiträgt.
Die erste Route wird den Flughafen Mailand Malpensa mit dem Stadtzentrum von Mailand verbinden und die regionale Anbindung verbessern. SEA, Skyports und 2i Aeroporti gründen ein Joint Venture für die Entwicklung und den Betrieb von Vertiports in der Lombardei und in Italien. Diese Zusammenarbeit steht im Einklang mit Italiens proaktiver Haltung zur innovativen Luftmobilität, unterstützt durch ENACs umfassendes nationales Regelwerk für VTOL-fähige Flugzeuge.
- Partnership with SEA Milan Airports and Skyports to develop eVTOL network in Lombardy, Italy
- Planned launch of vertiport operations by 2027
- Initial route connecting Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan city center
- Formation of joint venture for vertiport development and operations
- Support from Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) with comprehensive rulebook for VTOL aircraft
- None.
Insights
The partnership between Lilium, SEA Milan Airports and Skyports marks a significant step forward in the Regional Air Mobility (RAM) sector, particularly in Lombardy, Italy. Lilium's collaboration with established entities like SEA and Skyports enhances its credibility and aligns with the growing interest in sustainable transportation solutions. Given Italy's proactive stance with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) already publishing a comprehensive rulebook, the initiative is well-timed. This collaboration could lead to Lombardy becoming a hub for eVTOL technology, attracting both investors and early adopters. However, the project's success hinges on regulatory approvals, infrastructure readiness and consumer acceptance. While ambitious, the MoU lays a strong foundation for future developments in the RAM industry.
From a market perspective, this partnership is a strategic move for Lilium and its partners. The Lombardy region, home to almost a fifth of Italy's population and a significant tourist hub, presents a lucrative market for eVTOL services. The planned routes connecting Milan Malpensa Airport and the city center target high-traffic areas, promising considerable demand. This could drive significant revenue growth for Lilium and play a pivotal role in capturing early market share in Europe's emerging eVTOL sector. Investors should monitor upcoming milestones, such as the establishment of the joint venture company and further regulatory developments. While the project's fruition is still a few years away, the groundwork laid by this MoU could position these companies advantageously in the longer term.
Financially, this collaboration has the potential to be quite impactful. Lilium’s partnership with SEA, a majority shareholder with extensive airport management experience and Skyports, a leader in vertiport infrastructure, mitigates some operational risks and could expedite project timelines. The backing of 2i Aeroporti adds further financial stability to the venture. For retail investors, Lilium’s commitment to zero operating emissions and low noise could also attract environmentally conscious investors. However, it is important to weigh the long-term capital expenditure required for developing the vertiport network against the projected revenue streams. The venture's financial success will significantly depend on efficient execution and the scalability of the eVTOL services. As always, diversification and cautious optimism are recommended.
New partnership brings together aircraft manufacturer, infrastructure specialist, and airport operator to develop eVTOL network in Lombardy
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lilium N.V. (NASDAQ: LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), SEA (SEA), the operator of Milan’s airports, and Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, have today announced the signing of 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.
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.
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 agreement will see the parties develop regional air mobility routes that serve key locations across Lombardy. The first route to be developed will connect Milan Malpensa Airport – the largest international airport in northern Italy, which transported over 26 million travellers last year – and Milan city centre.
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.
For the development and operations of vertiports in Lombardy and Italy, SEA, Skyports and their shareholder 2i Aeroporti are in the process of establishing a joint venture company.
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.”
Armando Brunini, CEO of SEA Milan Airports, said: "This partnership with Lilium, one of the leading manufacturers in this emerging industry, and Skyports, already our partner, further consolidates the prospects for the development of Advanced Air Mobility in Lombardy.”
Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, said: “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. We’ve been working with our partners at SEA for some time and we’re excited to prepare to open the doors of our vertiports and see eVTOL aircraft take flight over Lombardy.”
A fundamental enabling factor for the entire project is the strong partnership with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority ENAC. The authority recently published a comprehensive national rulebook – the first of its kind in Europe – for VTOL-capable aircraft, positioning Italy as a frontrunner in the introduction of Innovative Air Mobility in Europe.
About Lilium
Lilium (NASDAQ: LILM) is creating a sustainable and accessible mode of high-speed, regional transportation for people and goods. Using the Lilium Jet, an all-electric vertical take-off and landing jet, designed to offer leading capacity, low noise, and high performance with zero operating emissions, Lilium is accelerating the decarbonization of air travel. Working with aerospace, technology, and infrastructure leaders, and with announced sales and indications of interest in Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lilium’s 1000+ strong team includes approximately 500 aerospace engineers and a leadership team responsible for delivering some of the most successful aircraft in aviation history. Founded in 2015, Lilium’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Munich, Germany, with teams based across Europe and the U.S. To learn more, visit www.lilium.com
About Skyports
Skyports Infrastructure is the leading enabler of advanced air mobility (AAM), providing the critical link between the ground and the sky. The company designs, builds and operates take-off and landing infrastructure for air taxis, and partners with world-class electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) passenger and cargo vehicle manufacturers around the world to enable safe, sustainable and efficient flight operations within urban and suburban environments. Find out more at: www.skyports.net
About SEA Group
SEA Group, located in Italy, manages the Malpensa and Linate airports which are ranked among the first ten airport systems in Europe for volume of traffic, in both the passenger and cargo segments. Find out more at: milanairports.com/it
About 2i Aeroporti
2i Aeroporti is the holding company, controlled by F2i - Terzo Fondo per le Infrastrutture (
Lilium contact information for media:
Christine Pierk
Communications Manager
+49 151 53919945
press@lilium.com
Lilium contact information for investors:
Rama Bondada,
Vice President, Investor Relations
Investors@lilium.com
Skyports contact information for media:
Maggie Mullan
PR & Communications Manager, Skyports
Maggie.mullan@skyports.net
+44 7946 090 585
Lilium Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward‐looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: (i) Lilium N.V.’s and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Lilium Group”) proposed business and business model; (ii) the markets and industry in which the Lilium Group operates or intends to operate; (iii) the Lilium Group’s progress towards type certification (and type certificate validation) of its Lilium Jet with EASA and the FAA; and (iv) the Lilium Group’s partnership with Skyports and the SEA Group as discussed herein. These forward‐looking statements generally are identified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “estimate,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “on track,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. Forward‐looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on management’s current expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and are subject to risk and uncertainties that are subject to change at any time. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the forward‐looking statements. Factors that could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward‐looking statements in this press release include those risks and uncertainties discussed in Lilium’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20‐F for the year ended December 31, 2023, on file with the SEC, and similarly titled sections in Lilium’s other SEC filings, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. Forward‐looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward‐looking statements, and Lilium assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update, or revise these forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the partnership between Lilium, SEA Milan Airports, and Skyports?
What is the first route planned for the Lilium Jet in Lombardy?
When does Lilium (LILM) expect to launch vertiport operations in Lombardy?
What role will SEA Milan Airports play in the eVTOL network development?
How is the Italian government supporting the development of eVTOL networks?
