SEA Milan Airports launches MoU with Lilium and Skyports

SEA, the operator of Milan’s airports, Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) and Lilium N.V. have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), laying the foundations for a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) network in the Lombardy region, northern Italy.

The Lombardy region is an important location for the partnership. It houses nearly a fifth of Italy’s population and has over 37 million visitors annually. Having regional air mobility will complement and integrate with the existing mobility of the region. It will also provide faster and low emission travel between key locations.

With the signing of the MoU, the parties will launch a vertiport network with operators of Lilium Jet as soon as 2027. SEA is the majority shareholder, providing airport management capability and knowledge of the region’s aviation landscape. Lilium will provide aircraft expertise as well as their Lilium Jet, which has been designed for capacity, long operational range at high speed, minimal noise and zero emissions.

The agreement will see the parties develop regional air mobility routes that serve key locations across Lombardy. The first route to be developed will connect Milan Malpensa Airport – the largest international airport in northern Italy, which transported over 26 million travellers last year – and Milan city centre. 

The project formalised by the MoU will allow for the establishment of a network of attractive routes for the operation of the Lilium Jet and other eVTOL aircraft, enhancing accessibility and connectivity for regional air mobility. It will facilitate the fast and efficient movement of people and will be instrumental in delivering some of the first premium eVTOL flights within Europe. 

For the development and operations of vertiports in Lombardy and Italy, SEA, Skyports and their shareholder 2i Aeroporti are in the process of establishing 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 fundamental enabling factor for the entire project is the strong partnership with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC). The authority recently published a comprehensive national rulebook – the first of its kind in Europe – for VTOL-capable aircraft, positioning Italy as a frontrunner in the introduction of Innovative Air Mobility in Europe.