Edward Wegel, Founder & Chairman, UrbanLink Air Mobilit

Invest: sat down with Edward Wegel, founder and chairman of UrbanLink Air Mobility, to discuss how electric aircraft could reshape mobility in South Florida and beyond. “It’s a new technology. It’s a new type of aircraft. It’s a new business model,” Wegel said, as he outlined the company’s vision for building a zero-emission transportation network connecting cities and population centers.

How does UrbanLink’s “The New Highway” vision shape its overall strategy for sustainable mobility?

We are focused on zero-emission transportation for several reasons. One is the climate. Another is quality of life. Our ability to operate these aircraft, as well as seaplanes and sea gliders, allows us to provide transportation that is quiet, emission-free in terms of hydrocarbons, and a better experience than a helicopter.

That creates opportunities in areas like healthcare. We have been talking with hospital systems in South Florida about moving patients between facilities. The aircraft are more efficient, quieter, and more comfortable for patients.

We also want to move people between urban centers like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach, and eventually to Orlando, the Keys, and across to Naples and Tampa. By using vertiports near population centers, passengers can travel without going to an airport or spending hours on I-95.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in bringing advanced electric air mobility solutions into service?

There are a couple of challenges. It’s a new technology. It’s a new type of aircraft. It’s a new business model. That combination makes attracting investors more complex.

Another challenge is working with the government to develop vertiports. That includes securing land, permits, and approvals, as well as building public acceptance. We expect to start with airport-to-airport operations while people become familiar with the technology, then expand into population centers over time.

UrbanLink plans to enable carbon-free travel within 500 miles by 2028. How are you planning to scale operations?

We will use a mix of aircraft. eVTOL aircraft have a range of about 100 miles, while electric fixed-wing aircraft can extend that to around 400 miles.

By combining both, we can reach 500 miles and, with a quick stop, extend to 1,000 miles. As battery technology improves, range will increase, allowing for more nonstop routes over time.

How are you approaching integration with existing transportation infrastructure?

We will begin with airport-to-airport and FBO-to-FBO operations. That allows us to integrate with existing infrastructure and connect directly to major airline networks.

For example, passengers could arrive at Miami International Airport and connect directly to a commercial flight. This is the first phase before expanding to vertiports in population centers.

How have partnerships influenced UrbanLink’s development?

We operate like an airline, so we need the same ecosystem. That includes maintenance providers, aircraft manufacturers, airport partners, and distribution systems.

We also need integration with ground transportation so passengers can move seamlessly from their home to the aircraft and then to their final destination. The goal is a fully zero-emission journey.

What regulatory milestones must be achieved to integrate eVTOL aircraft into your fleet?

There are two steps. First, the aircraft must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Second, we must demonstrate that we can operate the aircraft safely under our airline certificate. That includes trained pilots, maintenance systems, and full operational readiness, just like any other airline.

How is UrbanLink leveraging AI to enhance operations and customer experience?

AI helps us manage fleet positioning, pricing, and connectivity. It can determine which aircraft is best positioned to serve a customer and ensure all operational requirements are met.

It also supports dynamic pricing by comparing our service to alternatives like rideshare or other operators, helping us remain competitive.

Looking ahead, what are UrbanLink’s key goals for expansion and adoption?

Our first goal is to begin operations in 2028. From there, we plan to scale across South Florida and expand into Central and North Florida. We also see strong potential in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and nearby markets. Growth will depend on aircraft availability, infrastructure, and continued investment, but we believe this model can become a key part of regional transportation.