Saudia Group and Lilium N.V., a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), has signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets, with options for an additional 50. The signing ceremony took place at Lilium’s headquarters in Munich, attended by notable guests including Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, and Lilium’s CEO Klaus Roewe. Distinguished guests also included H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders.
This agreement, which follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2022, is the largest of its kind in the MENA region. It marks a significant industry milestone as the largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline planning to operate them. This contract underscores Saudia Group’s commitment to electric aviation, highlighting the anticipated superior performance, economics, and passenger experience of the Lilium Jet.
The agreement includes detailed provisions on deposit and pre-delivery payments, delivery timelines, aircraft performance guarantees, and maintenance support. Additionally, the parties plan to sign a comprehensive “Lilium POWER ON” agreement for fleet maintenance and support services.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar commented: “Saudia Group is proud to be the first in the MENA region to acquire all-electric eVTOL jets. This reflects our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint and leading regional electric aviation. Lilium plays a crucial role in enabling us to offer a sustainable, premium aviation experience, bringing guests closer to their destinations. This agreement aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and results from years of collaboration between Lilium and Saudia Group to bring eVTOL to Saudi skies. We look forward to this transformative journey.”
He added: “eVTOL jets are revolutionizing guest transportation. Their vertical take-off and landing capabilities open new routes, allowing travel up to 175 kilometres at speeds of 250 kilometres per hour, significantly saving time. This technology also addresses traffic congestion. Business travellers and event attendees will benefit from the ease and speed of electric aircraft. These innovative vehicles will also enhance tourism, sports, and entertainment, offering a premium travel experience.”
Through this initiative, Saudia Group aims to enhance connectivity by providing seamless first and last-leg connections to its regional hubs and new city connections like Jeddah to Makkah, potentially reducing regional travel times by up to 90%. These jets will support Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, provide faster access to key events in Riyadh, and open new possibilities for exploring hard-to-reach tourist destinations across the Kingdom. Business travellers will also enjoy improved access and swift transportation. The eVTOL jets are expected to increase flight frequencies and decrease traffic congestion, offering a fast and convenient alternative for reaching various destinations within the Kingdom.
Saudia Group expects to receive the first jets in 2026, with operations managed by Saudia Private, a subsidiary of Saudia Group. The Lilium Jet will feature large, premium cabins with capacity for up to six passengers plus luggage, delivering the Saudia premium experience valued by the airline’s guests.
Before commercialization, Saudia Group will support Lilium’s certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory agency.
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, said: “We are proud of our partnership with Saudia, a market-leading airline. We are excited to pioneer progress in the eVTOL industry as the manufacturer with the largest firm purchase order from an international airline. The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia represents a significant and exciting market for electric, high-speed regional air mobility. Our partnership will combine Saudia Group’s market knowledge with our unique eVTOL technology to transform premium class air travel in the GCC region.”
This agreement with Saudia Group adds to Lilium’s extensive order pipeline, which now includes 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and approximately 600 aircraft under MOU. Lilium is in advanced discussions with other global carriers looking to reduce carbon emissions and electrify regional air travel.
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