Thus far, the Farnborough Airshow is proving to provide some highly exciting momentum for the budding urban air mobility (UAM) market. In particular, German startup Lilium has been treating us to announcement after announcement of new deals. On Wednesday, the turn had come for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) developer to conquer Andalucia in partnership with Helity Copter Airlines.
Addressing premium and business traffic with five jets
When contrasted to other Letters of Intents and Memorandums of Understandings that Lilium has been raking in (for instance, for 220 of its vehicles for up to $1 billion to Brazil's Azul signed in August last year), the five eVTOLs that Helity has signed up for may not jump the order book that significantly. However, it is an important step to developing a zero-emissions UAM network in the south of Spain.
Helity currently offers helicopter shuttle flights between Ceuta, Algeciras, and Málaga and has transported approximately 300,000 passengers to date. The company intends to use the five Lilium Jets to provide premium and business charter flights to customers in the region. Antonio Barranco, CEO and owner of Helity said,
“With its zero operating emission and low noise profile, the Lilium Jet is a great addition to our existing helicopter fleet. Thanks to the large and spacious cabin, the aircraft is very well-suited to address the premium and business traffic in the region. I have no doubt that in the medium-term it will revolutionize the concept of short-range commercial and business aviation”.
Flight testing of demonstrator currently ongoing in Spain
Lilium might be a German company, but it is preparing to take the electric regional mobility market by storm across the world. Beyond the massive order from Azul for 220 vehicles already mentioned, the company recently announced deals with the Bristow Group and AAP Aviation for 50 jets each.
Meanwhile, Spain already has a particular significance for the would-be air mobility disruptor as it is the location for its fifth-generation technology demonstrator test flights at the ATLAS (Air Trafic Laboratory for Advanced unmanned Systems) Flight Test Center in Villacarrillo. Daniel Wiegand, CEO of Lilium, said,
“Southern Spain attracts a high demand of premium tourism. Combined with Helity’s great local expertise and experience in the operation of helicopters, as well as the hiring of highly-skilled pilots, we have ideal conditions for the development of a sustainable air mobility network in the region”.
The global air mobility market is expected to grow from just over $3 billion in 2021 to close to $9 billion in 2028. By 2034, some predictions say it will have reached over $23 billion. Lilium's design differs from its eVTOL competitors in that it will offer a cabin more resembling that of a private jet than a helicopter. Furthermore, its electric engines are integrated into the wing flaps.
What do you make of the urban air mobility market and its potential to revolutionize regional and personal air travel? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.