Lilium, a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has partnered with UrbanLink, a new advanced air mobility operator, to launch electric air taxi services in South Florida.
UrbanLink aims to become the first US airline to fully integrate eVTOL aircraft into its fleet, purchasing 20 Lilium Jets with pre-delivery payments. The partnership also leverages a network of vertiports developed by Lilium and its collaborators over the past five years, providing the infrastructure needed for launch.
Looking towards 2026, UrbanLink plans to utilize these electric air taxis to connect major cities in South Florida, including Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale, with service extending to Marco Island.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
