German aerospace company Lilium will operate flights on its eVTOL Lilium Jet in the South of France from 2026.
This has been made possible thanks to a three way partnership between Lilium, Italian vertiport network operator UrbanV, and Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur (ACA). The ACA manages France’s second largest airport – Nice Côte d’Azur, which transports 14 million travellers per year – as well as Cannes Mandelieu airport and Golfe de Saint-Tropez airport.
The network will connect the French Riviera with destinations across the South of France such as Monaco, Cannes, Nice, Marseille, Golfe de Saint-Tropez, and Aix-en-Provence.
“The Côte d’Azur is an iconic region known around the world for its outstanding beauty and attractive environment, and it’s no surprise that it attracts over 11 million visitors every year,” Lilium Chief Commercial Officer Sebastien Borel told Zag Daily.
“Consequently, environmental sustainability is front of mind for many in the region.”
Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur committed to achieving carbon neutrality without offsetting their own emissions from 2030. According to Lilium, its zero-emission jet can help meet that goal with its Ducted Electric Vectored Thrust (DEVT) which reduces the noise of the aircraft.
Lilium is currently in discussions with operators that are interested in purchasing the Lilium Jet to fly across the network.
“The Lilium Jet will bring all-new regional connectivity options and routes to the region’s visitors and residents. We hope its fast, quiet, and zero-emission operation, together with its beautiful in-flight experience, will offer a meaningful alternative to traditional modes of transport.”
Lilium is also set to bring its jet to London after eVolare, a subsidiary of helicopter and private jet operator Volare Aviation, signed a purchase of four Lilium jets last week.
