Leading infrastructure consulting firm AECOM—which leads massive projects from planning, design, and engineering to program and construction management from a global HQ in Los Angeles—and leading infrastructure operator Ferrovial are partnering to design a network of vertiports connecting strategic locations in major Florida cities. Vertiports are key components in enabling innovation in electric aircraft that take off and land vertically, also known as eVTOLs, by providing the necessary infrastructure for landing, recharging, and departure.
“It is important for us that the design of the vertiport infrastructure reflects the innovative nature of the eVTOL crafts while creating a warm, welcoming environment,” said Elisabeth Bernitt, Senior Vice President and Managing Principal with AECOM’s Buildings + Places business. “By incorporating flexible and modular elements, our partners will be able to scale the vertiports with growth, permitting an efficient space that allows for future innovation while emphasizing the passenger experience.”
Austin, TX-based Ferrovial is partnering on developing the Florida vertiport network with Lilium, the aviation company focused on creating emissions-free, regional air mobility services. The Ferrovial and AECOM-designed vertiport infrastructure will help enable a high-speed, environmentally friendly, affordable alternative transport system connecting Florida’s cities in new, sustainable, and more convenient ways. The partnership is another for the two companies’ vision to develop sustainable infrastructure.
“AECOM’s design capabilities in mobility solutions will help us to transform this revolutionary concept into a life-changing experience for the vertiports users,” said Luis Alvargonzalez, Ferrovial Airports Corporate Development Director.
The vertiport infrastructure emphasizes sustainability and efficiency, taking advantage of sunlight and natural elements. Noise abatement materials and surfaces are a key feature of the airfield design to reduce the already ultra-low noise emissions from the eVTOL aircraft. In addition, the terminal buildings will provide a user-friendly passenger experience by enabling touchless processes, quick journeys, and a comfortable environment.
In November, Lilium announced a partnership with Tavistock Development Company and the City of Orlando to establish its first U.S. vertiport at Orlando’s Aerotropolis in Lake Nona.
In January, Ferrovial and Munich, Germany-based Lilium announced a framework to develop a network of at least ten vertiports, the zero-carbon infrastructure, and services covering strategic locations in all major cities across Florida. The partners believe that vertiports are a key component in realizing the enormous potential of innovations in eVTOL aviation, providing infrastructure for landing, recharging, and taking off with passengers. They will collaborate in designing and constructing the facilities as well as their operation and maintenance for passenger service. The first location in South Florida could be announced soon.
“Our partnership with Ferrovial to develop flight infrastructure, is a critical step in delivering the potential of regional air mobility to provide high speed, affordable, emissions-free travel to millions of people,” commented Daniel Wiegand, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Lilium. “As we accelerate our launch plans, Lilium is committed to partnering with industry leaders, bringing together their strengths and experience with our aircraft technology and passenger service infrastructure.”
“Our strategy to bring high-speed transportation networks to an entire region is being brought to life in Florida,” continued Dr. Remo Gerber, Chief Operating Officer, Lilium. “Nearly all 20 million Floridians will live within 30 minutes of our vertiports, and the 140 million annual visitors to the Sunshine State will have a high-speed option available to travel to their destinations.”
“We are determined to conceptualize, design, and build the future of transport and mobility infrastructures,” added Rafael Fernandez, Ferrovial Innovation Director. “In this case, we partner with Lilium, one of the leading companies in this nascent urban air mobility ecosystem to deliver an innovative mode of transport that will shorten distances and improve quality of life for citizens.
Ferrovial has earned a reputation as a leading infrastructure investor and operator dedicated to developing sustainable solutions throughout the lifecycle of a project with an integrated approach. It currently manages $10 billion in assets in the U.S. Its Airports unit wants to be a player in the future of vertiports and urban air mobility to provide passengers with choice and air travel alternatives to enhance a personalized passenger experience.
The Lilium Jet is being designed to connect regions in new, sustainable, and more convenient ways. Its efficient and ultra-low-noise electric jet engines allow it to operate in densely populated urban areas and cover longer distances at high-speed with zero operating emissions.
The company was co-founded in 2015 by Wiegand and Sebastian Born (Head of Structure and Interior), Patrick Nathen (VP of Product), and Matthias Meiner (Chief Engineer). The founding team met while studying at the Technical University of Munich, where they shared a common vision of revolutionizing travel.
Lilium has attracted more than $375 million in funding and employs more than 500 people. The company’s largest funding round, announced in March 2020 and worth more than $240 million, was led by Tencent, with participation from existing investors including Atomico, Freigeist, and LGT. It helped to support further development of the Jet as well as underpin preparations for serial production in Lilium’s new manufacturing facilities.
The company plans to operate a regional air mobility service as early as 2025 in several regions around the world. Its demonstrator aircraft first flew in May 2019. In early 2020, it completed its first stage of flight testing, with the five-seater demonstrator flying at speeds exceeding 100 km/h (62 mph).
Lilium believes its new type of aircraft will enable it to deliver regional journeys that are considerably faster than rail or road, yet competitive in price. Lilium expects to service a sizeable global market demand by connecting communities at a fraction of the cost of conventional high-speed infrastructure, with zero operating emissions.
The company recently announced that Aciturri, a leading manufacturer of aerostructures and aero-engine components, will build the Jet’s airframe—a significant step towards prototyping for serial production. Aciturri will handle the production of the Jet’s primary composite structures, which will use Toray Industries’ high-performance carbon-fiber composite material.
The partnership will combine the expertise of Lilium’s engineers with Aciturri’s proficiency in high-quality manufacturing. They will work together on the design of the complex fuselage structure as well as the highly integrated canards and wing structures that support the aircraft’s propulsion systems.
“Few companies in the world have mastered designing and manufacturing aerospace composite structures like Aciturri,” said Yves Yemsi, Chief Program Officer at Lilium. “…We continue our strategy of working with the best Tier One aerospace suppliers. This is imperative as we manage de-risking high-volume production of our aircraft.”
The Lilium Jet balances high levels of efficiency with a noise footprint that is low enough to allow inner-city operations. Distributed vectored thrust, delivered by 36 electric engines positioned across the airframe, allows for precise control during the most aerodynamically challenging phase of flight when it transitions from hover to forward, wing-borne flight.
The all-electric engines are integrated into the wings to reduce drag and optimize efficiency, while their ducted design provides a noise shielding advantage over open rotors. Performance goals for the Jet, which will seat four passengers and a pilot, are a 300-km/h (186-mph) top speed and 60-min flying time.
Lilium is developing a digital ecosystem that will connect customer bookings and operations, ensuring aircraft are kept highly utilized and are deployed to match customer demand. It will integrate operational partners through its digital platform with a goal to provide a seamless service.
The aircraft is being engineered to the requirements of EASA’s SC-VTOL regulations and the agency’s Associated Means of Compliance. The Lilium Jet is being certified by EASA in Europe and the FAA in the U.S.
