Azul Linhas Aéreas announced to the markets its plans for a strategic partnership with the German company Lilium GmbH to develop an exclusive network in Brazil with electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft through a co-branded operation.
This potential partnership will have a value of up to USD 1 billion and includes a fleet of 220 eVTOL aircraft, with deliveries expected starting in 2025, according to our partner in Brazil, Aeroin.
The network will allow Azul to increase its national connectivity in a more innovative way, and reinforces the airline’s strategy to accelerate its commitments to social and environmental responsibility, with a 100% electric aircraft and zero carbon emissions.
The airline, apart from operating and maintaining the fleet, will support Lilium with the regulatory approval processes, while Lilium will provide an aircraft health monitoring platform, replacement batteries and other custom spare parts. More details of the potential alliance will be known once Azul and Lilium finalize the commercial terms and the related final documentation.
“Azul has the most exclusive and sustainable business model in Brazil. Our brand presence, our network with unique connectivity and our robust loyalty program provide us with the tools to create the markets and demand for the operation of Lilium Jets in Brazil” said John Rodgerson, CEO of Azul.
“As we have done in the Brazilian national market in the last 13 years, we now hope with Lilium’s jets, to create a totally innovative segment in the near future,” he added.
Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and CEO of Lilium said, “Azul has brought convenient and affordable air travel to underserved markets in the Americas and this makes them an ideal partner for Lilium. We are excited to be working with the experienced Azul team to implement a co-branded eVTOL network in Brazil. We are also delighted to welcome Gabrielle Toledano and Henri Courpron to the future Board of Directors of Lilium NV, where they will strengthen our Board with their operational and financial expertise.”
The Lilium Jet has capacity for six passengers and a pilot, will go at a cruising speed of 175 mph (280 km/h), flying at 10,300 feet altitude (3,000 m) and will have a maximum range of 155 miles (250 km) including reservations. It has a wingspan of 13.9 m and a length of 8.5 m.
Lillium was founded in Germany in 2015, and its more than 600 employees (400 of them are aerospace engineers) work at its Munich headquarters alongside teams in Europe and the United States.
