Azul, a Brazilian airline that serves 110 destinations and operates a fleet of more than 160 aircraft, has ordered 220 electric aircraft from Lilium in a $1-billion commercial deal and strategic alliance.

The companies aim to establish a co-branded network in Brazil. Azul will operate and maintain the Lilium Jet fleet, and Lilium will provide an aircraft health monitoring platform, replacement batteries and other custom spare parts.

The companies say the new service, which is scheduled to be in operation in multiple regions in 2025, will allow passengers to travel faster than existing high-speed alternatives, with zero emissions.

The Lilium Jet is a 7-seat electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. It’s powered by electric jet engines integrated into the wings, which rely on Lilium’s Ducted Electric Vectored Thrust technology.

“Azul has brought convenient and affordable air travel to underserved markets across the Americas and this makes them an ideal partner for Lilium,” said Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and CEO of Lilium.

Source: Lilium