Lilium Collaborates with SEA and Skyports for Advanced Air Mobility in Milan Airports

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Lilium N.V., a leader in electric aircraft manufacturing and a trailblazer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), has announced a strategic partnership with SEA, the operator of Milan’s airports, and Skyports Infrastructure, a key player in vertiport infrastructure for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to develop a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) network in the Lombardy region of northern Italy.

Lombardy is a prime location for this initiative, being home to nearly 20% of Italy’s population and attracting over 37 million visitors each year. The introduction of regional air mobility will enhance the existing transportation network, providing faster and environmentally friendly travel between important destinations.

Under the MoU, the partners will work together to establish a vertiport network, with operations of the Lilium Jet slated to begin by 2027. SEA will serve as the majority shareholder, contributing its extensive airport management expertise and deep understanding of the region’s aviation infrastructure. Skyports will lend its industry-leading experience in developing and integrating vertiport infrastructure, working closely with SEA to operate the vertiports. Lilium will provide its state-of-the-art Lilium Jet, which offers top-tier capacity, the longest operational range, the highest speed, minimal noise, and zero operating emissions.

The agreement focuses on creating regional air mobility routes that connect key locations across Lombardy. The initial route will link Milan Malpensa Airport—northern Italy’s largest international airport, which handled over 26 million passengers last year—to the Milan city center.

This project, anchored by the MoU, will develop a network of appealing routes for the Lilium Jet and other eVTOL aircraft, enhancing accessibility and connectivity within the region. It will support the swift and efficient movement of people, setting the stage for some of the first premium eVTOL flights in Europe.

To facilitate the development and operation of vertiports in Lombardy and throughout Italy, SEA, Skyports, and their shareholder 2i Aeroporti are in the process of forming a joint venture company.

Sebastien Borel, Chief Commercial Officer of Lilium, said: “As we continue to collaborate with key partners globally, with strong expertise and experience in key markets, this partnership will help to unlock new potential for regional air transport infrastructure in Northern Italy. This partnership will support our vision of pioneering a new era of regional air mobility in Europe with the electrification of premium tourist routes in the region.” 

Armando Brunini, CEO of SEA Milan Airports, said: “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 in Lombardy.” 

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, said: “We’re bringing together key partners to introduce regional air mobility services. With significant support from aviation and infrastructure stakeholders, including our investor 2i Aeroporti, this partnership demonstrates Italy’s readiness to launch the next generation of aviation. We’ve been working with our partners at SEA for some time and we’re excited to prepare to open the doors of our vertiports and see eVTOL aircraft take flight over Lombardy.” 

A crucial enabler for the entire project is the robust partnership with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, ENAC. Recently, ENAC published a comprehensive national rulebook—the first of its kind in Europe—specifically for VTOL-capable aircraft. This milestone positions Italy as a leader in the introduction of Innovative Air Mobility in Europe.