UrbanLink Air Mobility plans to add sea routes to its upcoming air taxi service.
The Miami company announced it will purchase 20 zero-emission vessels from Artemis Technologies that will be used as luxury water taxis. The vehicles will operate in Southern California, Florida and the Caribbean in early 2026.
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“Our strategic vision is supported by three pillars: regional eVTOL aircraft, long-range electric aircraft, and carbon-free sea craft,” UrbanLink founder and CEO Ed Wegel said in a statement.
The company declined to specify the purchase price for the Artemis fleet.
Based in Northern Ireland, Artemis reports it has an office in New York and will begin production for its electric vessels in the U.S. Co-founder David Tyler said the zero-emission water taxis can help reduce the environmental impact of the marine industry.
“By eliminating harmful emissions, reducing water pollution and operating more quietly than traditional diesel engines, we are contributing to a healthier future for all," he said.
UrbanLink launched in May and aims to begin operations by 2026. The new business reports it already purchased 20 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Lilium Air Mobility and must build out vertiport infrastructure to support its urban air mobility network.
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Wegel was previously affiliated with GlobalX, a regional airline that announced the launch of its own eVTOL business last year. UrbanLink is currently focused on building an air taxi network in Florida and Southern California.
Several businesses have announced plans to introduce eVTOL aircraft to South Florida as a cleaner alternative to cars. Experts say the region’s intense traffic congestion, suburban sprawl and poor public transportation options make it a prime market for the vehicles. Proponents also argue the electric aircraft are a more environmentally friendly option than gas-powered cars.
The eVTOLs under development can typically carry up to six passengers at low altitude and can travel up to 150 miles per trip. Multiple eVTOL aircraft are in the process of being certified by the FAA, a procedure that involves rigorous testing to evaluate the safety of the vehicles. But so far, no model has been officially approved for commercial operations.
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