Electric aircraft manufacturer, Lilium, has agreed to partner with France-headquartered airport operator, Groupe ADP to develop an infrastructure network for electric air taxi services.
Bringing its expertise and experience in operating 23 airports around the globe, Groupe ADP will work alongside Lilium to develop ground infrastructure to support passenger operations for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, Lilium Jet.
Groupe ADP’s Deputy CEO, Edward Arkwright, said: “As a pioneer in developing infrastructure for advanced air mobility and a global airports operator, we are thrilled to officialise the work we have been conducting with Lilium to ensure the development of new services by eVOTL in the Paris region and worldwide.”
Groupe ADP is already advancing with plans to develop a regional air mobility (RAM) network and is developing comprehensive vertiports at two air transport hubs in the French capital – Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Le Bourget. It is also developing a temporary site in the heart of Paris this year. In addition to their flagship locations in France, Groupe ADP (alongside its partners TAV Airports and GMR Airports) operates an extensive network of airports around the world including locations in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and India. These sites will also be crucial in building vertiport infrastructure to support Lilium’s plans to commence regional electric aviation to passengers as early as 2026.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that some of the very first eVTOL flights will happen in France and this partnership brings that milestone closer into view,” said Sebastien Borel, CCO of Lilium. “Groupe ADP has an impressive portfolio of airports both in France and around the world in markets that will be key to Lilium’s commercial operations.”
