Zoom! (Miami International) plans to launch scheduled passenger operations out of Florida with an initial fleet of E190/E195 regional jets, before moving to A220s later. The start-up also aims to cooperate closely with sister company UrbanLink Air Mobility, which recently placed a firm order for twenty Lilium Jet eVTOLs.
Both start-ups are backed by Ed Wegel of AVi8 Air Capital, the former executive at, among others, GlobalX, Eastern Air Lines (2009), Chautauqua Airlines, and ACA - Atlantic Coast Airlines.
Wegel did not disclose a timeline for the launch of Zoom! but said that it would transition to A220s when delivery slots become available. He did not respond to a question about the targeted initial fleet size. Previously, he touted launching the airline - then under its provisional name Air Flo Airlines - immediately with A220s.
Another young US airline, David Neeleman-backed Breeze Airways, followed a similar path, launching with a fleet of Embraer E1 regional jets as an interim solution before adding its first A220-300s.
UrbanLink Air Mobility plans to launch eVTOL operations in Florida before expanding to other markets, such as Los Angeles. Subject to the necessary certification, this start-up aims to launch revenue operations in Summer 2026. Certification is due to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. Its commitment with Lilium is a firm contract with scheduled pre-delivery payments.
"While many airlines have discussed the potential of operating eVTOL aircraft, none have made a definitive commitment. UrbanLink will be the first airline in the US to integrate eVTOL aircraft into its fleet," Wegel highlighted.
The executive had planned to establish a Florida-centred eVTOL unit during his tenure at GlobalX, named UrbanX, using Eve Air Mobility aircraft. The initiative was discontinued following the recent managerial and strategic reshuffle at the airline.
