Lilium announces support for NYCEDC efforts to accommodate eVTOL operations

Lilium announced its support for the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s efforts to accommodate eVTOL operations by choosing an agnostic heliport operator who will serve a wide range of aircraft and advanced air mobility use cases at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. The Downtown Manhattan Heliport, located near Battery Park on Pier 6, along the East River, will play a key role in the planned future Northeast Corridor regional network for planned operators of the Lilium Jet. Recently, NYCEDC closed their Request for Proposals window for firms with heliport, airport, vertiport, logistics, or hub management expertise to operate a future Downtown Manhattan Heliport in Lower Manhattan. NYCEDC will act as NYC’s administrator in advancing a concession agreement. Lilium has relationships with various infrastructure partners globally who are vying to operate at this vertiport, which Lilium believes will ensure compatibility for the Lilium Jet at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. Having an agnostic operator operate heliports or vertiports ensures those sites operate at their full potential by not restricting usage to specific companies, types of aircraft, industries, or hyper-compatible technologies. Lilium commends NYCEDC for its multifaceted approach, likely enhancing the economic benefits the heliport will drive. Lilium’s planned commercialization approach focuses on being an OEM with aftermarket support and services while selling to various individuals and companies for private, premium and shuttle operations. “Lilium’s go-to-market strategy allows for a diverse revenue stream and is predicated on aviation facilities in the U.S., especially those owned by public entities, being open to all types of aircraft,” said Sebastien Borel, Chief Commercial Officer at Lilium. “NYCEDC’s decision to require a heliport operator that accommodates a wide range of aircraft supports this approach.”