NetJets Inc., the largest private aviation company in the world, and FlightSafety International, the leader in professional aviation training have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lilium N.V. (“Lilium”), 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 US 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.
NetJets operates the world’s largest fleet of private jets, and their strong owner base will provide Lilium with scale and support for its ecosystem in the US, where plans for a Florida transport hub continue to progress.
This planned collaboration with NetJets is also expected to boost Lilium’s commercial ambitions in Florida and other US 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.
“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.”
Daniel Wiegand, Co-Founder and CEO of Lilium
“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.”
About Lilium
Lilium 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, offering 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 planned launch networks announced in Germany, the United States and Brazil. Lilium’s 700+ strong team includes approximately 400 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. From time to time, we may also use our website for disclosure of material information about our business and operations.
About NetJets Inc.
Originally incorporated in 1964 as Executive Jet Airways, NetJets Inc. has been setting—and exceeding—industry standards for more than 55 years. NetJets Inc. encompasses NetJets, Executive Jet Management, QS Partners, and QS Security and offers a variety of travel solutions customized to fit each Owner’s needs. This includes fractional aircraft ownership, lease and jet card options, aircraft management, private jet chartering, brokerage and acquisition services, and specialized security services. This is why so many of the world’s most discerning travelers choose NetJets Inc. generation after generation. It is also because NetJets has the largest, most diverse private jet fleet in the world, which grants anytime access to even the most remote destinations across the globe.
About FlightSafety International
FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.