UrbanLink Air Mobility, a pioneering south Florida-based advanced air mobility (AAM) operator, has appointed Raymond C Sisson as president. Sisson, a seasoned aircraft leasing executive who has successfully raised over $15 billion in aircraft acquisitions, will play a key role in fuelling UrbanLink's growth.

As president, Sisson will focus on raising capital to finance UrbanLink's initial order for 20 Lilium Jets and spearhead the creation of an in-house aircraft leasing company to hold UrbanLink's aircraft orders.

“Ray is one of the most highly respected aircraft leasing CEOs, and we are delighted he will be leading our team to raise the necessary funding to grow our fleet to over 100 eVTOL aircraft over the next three years,” says Ed Wegel, UrbanLink's founder and chairman. “Ray's leadership, experience and strong relationships with both aircraft equity and debt providers worldwide make him the ideal choice to develop our own in-house aircraft lessor, which will finance our eVTOL aircraft and provide capabilities to other eVTOL airlines worldwide.”

A 35-year veteran of the airline and aircraft leasing sectors, Sisson has held several high-profile positions. Previously, he served as senior vice president at GE Commercial Aircraft Services (GECAS); chief commercial officer of SR Technics, one of the world's leading aircraft MROs; and CEO of AWAS, an aircraft lessor which he grew from $5 billion to $12.5 billion in aircraft assets and a fleet of over 300 aircraft. Additionally, he was managing director at Credit Suisse, where he established its aircraft leasing subsidiary. Currently, Sisson is the CEO of Tailwinds Aviation, which has raised $500 million and is in the process of raising an additional $2 billion in equity for commercial aircraft acquisitions. Sisson holds a degree from Bucknell University, an MBA from the University of Chicago and a JD from Georgetown Law School.

“I am excited to join UrbanLink as president as we prepare for our first eVTOL deliveries in 18 months,” comments Sisson. “To fuel UrbanLink's growth, our goal is to raise over $1 billion, and I am confident we have the team in place to achieve this.”

UrbanLink will lead the entry into service and management of AAM in south Florida and will expand to other markets, including Los Angeles and the Caribbean. In May, UrbanLink announced its partnership with Lilium, developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet and global pioneer in regional air mobility (RAM). As part of the agreement, UrbanLink committed to purchase 20 Lilium Jets, with scheduled pre-delivery payments, becoming the first airline in the US to fully commit to integrating eVTOL aircraft into its fleet with entry into revenue service by summer 2026.

UrbanLink will commence the Part 135 certification process, subject to all FAA and DOT approvals, over the next several months. Additionally, the company has signed letters of intent with major strategic vertiport developers, further solidifying its commitment to advancing the future of air mobility.