Italy’s Lombardy region prepares for air taxi services
July 24, 2024
Italy’s Lombardy region is preparing for the development of a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) network as early as 2027. Italian airport operator SEA Milan agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the network with Skyports Infrastructure and Lilium during the show on Tuesday. SEA is also working with Skyports and their shareholder 2i Aeroporti to establish a joint venture company.
The project formalised by the MoU will enable the establishment of a network of vertiports to support electric air taxi services with the first route expected to connect Milan Malpensa Airport and Milan city centre. Home to nearly a fifth of Italy’s population and with over 37 million visitors annually, the development of a regional air mobility network will complement and integrate with the region’s existing transport network.
“This partnership with Lilium, one of the leading manufacturers in this emerging industry, and Skyports, already our partner, further consolidates the prospects for the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Lombardy,” said Armando Brunini, CEO of SEA Milan Airports.
The agreement will see SEA provide airport management expertise and its knowledge of the region’s aviation and infrastructure ecosystem. The airport operator will work closely with Skyports, which has already partnered with other eVTOL manufacturers in other destinations to establish vertiport networks. Having reported an expansion of its Power-On services to support all aspects of eVOTL operations, Lilium brings its aircraft expertise. Its four to six passenger Lilium Jet aims to complete EASA certification by the end of 2025 and start initial deliveries in 2026.
