Private aviation firm NetJets has signed a memorandum of understanding on a joint plan to acquire up to 150 all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jets.
The MOU includes training company FlightSafety International and aerospace firm Lilium. It gives NetJets the right to buy up to 150 Lilium all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jets and support Lilium with a private sales campaign aimed at individuals to buy Lilium aircraft.
Lilium will provide products and services, like immersive and mixed reality training devices and courseware to FlightSafety International to develop training software to train crew for the advanced air mobility market.
All-electric vertical jets are considered a good fit for the air taxi market.
“This partnership is a major step in our mission to build radically better ways of moving and to electrify regional air travel,” Lilim co-founder and CEO Daniel Wiegand said. “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.”
The Lilium Jet can be configured to carry four to six passengers for premium and shuttle missions. The jet will enable NetJets to advance its sustainability efforts.
Meanwhile, the collaboration is expected to accelerate Lilium’s commercial ambitions in the US.
FlightSafety International President and CEO Brad Thress said, “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,”
The collaboration agreement is subject to finalization of the commercial terms and signing of definitive agreements to that effect and satisfaction of certain conditions.
