NetJets Inc., a private aviation company, and FlightSafety International, a leader in professional aviation training have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lilium N.V., makers of an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet, for a proposed strategic partnership. The arrangement would provide NetJets with the right to purchase up to 150 Lilium aircraft, introducing more options to NetJets owners to complement their existing flight patterns. NetJets also anticipates supporting Lilium with a private sales campaign for individuals to purchase Lilium aircraft. In addition, the two companies will explore a business model for the operation of Lilium’s network in Florida as well as other regions in the U.S. and Europe.
The Lilium Jet’s flexible cabin architecture is expected to enable a range of configurations, including configurations with four to six passenger layouts that address both premium and shuttle mission profiles.
The planned collaboration with NetJets is expected to boost Lilium’s commercial ambitions in Florida and other U.S. markets and would create supplemental direct sales opportunities. The Lilium Jet, which offers high performance with zero operating emissions, will allow NetJets to advance its sustainability efforts by offering its customer base regional transportation alternatives.
As part of the arrangement, Lilium would also partner with FlightSafety International Inc. to provide products and services, such as courseware, industry-leading immersive and mixed reality training devices and crew training to support Lilium Jet operations. FlightSafety’s proprietary training software will deliver flexible and agile learning solutions needed to support the advance air mobility market.
Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and CEO of Lilium, said: “This partnership is a major step in our mission to build radically better ways of moving and to electrify regional air travel. We believe that the private and business professional segments will be highly attractive markets in the future and, likewise, early adopters of the eVTOL revolution. We couldn’t be happier to collaborate with NetJets and FlightSafety to electrify this market and hope to forge a long-term strategic partnership to bring high speed regional electric air mobility to the world.”
“Our focus on technology and adaptive learning will help prepare aviation professionals with the highest levels of expertise to support operation of the Lilium Jet,” said Brad Thress, president and CEO of FlightSafety International.
Adam Johnson, CEO of NetJets, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Lilium’s experienced team to provide sustainable flight services to our customers. Lilium’s aircraft will expand our fleet options and provide our customers with a new and flexible means of private air travel.”
The proposed arrangement with NetJets is subject to the parties finalizing commercial terms and entering into definitive agreements with respect thereto and satisfaction of certain conditions
