Lilium has designated the future Orlando International airport (MCO) vertiport as a network hub for Lilium Jet operators in central Florida. The OEM also announced its support for Florida House Bill 981, introduced in December last year, that proposes the designation of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority as the advanced air mobility test site for the state of Florida.

Lilium is working towards an urban and regional air mobility network with the City of Orlando and Lake Nona. As the partners bring the first full-scale eVTOL vertiport to fruition, all agree that the best location would be a vertiport on airport property.

"We are thrilled about the proposed advanced aviation centre at Orlando International airport and commend Orlando for its dedication and vision to advancing AAM," says CCO Sebastien Borel. "Building a vertiport at the major hub airport will ultimately enhance regional mobility by increasing passenger access and connectivity while allowing multiple operators to use the facility and share in the cost."

The airport city of Orlando and Lake Nona will be a pivotal hub for AAM operations in Florida. Situated in the centre of the state, the network is strategically placed to cater to the nearly 80 million annual visitors that the region attracts. Coupled with a world-class airport and the rapidly expanding community of Lake Nona, the airport city is expected to become a true multimodal hub for all forms of transportation.

Lilium supports the Florida House Bill 981, which designates Orlando International airport as the AAM test site in Florida and enables vertiport permitting in the state. Lilium has worked directly with HB 981 bill sponsor state representative Doug Bankson and Florida House Transportation & Modals Subcommittee chair state representative Fiona McFarland to adapt policy to meet the needs of Lilium and its commercial partners.

"We appreciate the work of chair Fiona McFarland and state representative Doug Bankson's efforts in this bill to ensure Florida remains a leader in AAM. These strides reinforce our decision to announce central Florida as a key launch region for the Lilium Jet and align with our longstanding commitment to accessible, sustainable transportation," adds Borel. "Solidifying the Greater Orlando region as a test bed for AAM demonstrates the state's commitment to progressing regional mobility and advancing aviation technology."