Saudia Group, Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier and Lilium NV, a German electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), have signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets with options for the purchase of 50 more. 

According to a press statement by Saudia, this sales agreement marks the largest of its kind in the MENA region and represents an important industry milestone as the largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline that plans to operate the aircraft.

The agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding between Saudia Group and Lilium signed in October 2022. Saudia Group expects to receive the first jets in 2026, for which operations will be managed and run 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, adds the statement.

The statement adds that the signature ceremony was held at Lilium’s headquarters in Munich and the contract was signed by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private and Klaus Roewe, CEO, Lilium.

Attending the ceremony were also Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders, says the statement.

It adds that the agreement signals a substantial commitment to electric aviation from a world-leading operator, as well as a clear preference towards the superior performance, economics and passenger experience expected to be provided by the Lilium Jet.

Saudia says that the agreement includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, timeline of future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions on spare parts, maintenance, and repairs. 

The statement adds that the parties intend to sign a comprehensive “Lilium Power On” agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services.

Ibrahim Al-Omar

“Saudia Group is proud to pioneer the MENA region as the first company to acquire all-electric eVTOL jets, which reflects our commitment to continuously reducing our carbon footprint and becoming an industry leader in regional electric aviation. We recognise the critical role that Lilium is positioned to play in enabling us to deliver a sustainable premium aviation experience and transport our guests even closer to their destination,” says Al-Omar. 

“This agreement amplifies our commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030 and is the result of a collaborative effort over the past years between Lilium and Saudia Group to explore how we can best bring eVTOL to the skies of Saudi Arabia. We are looking forward to the journey ahead,” he adds.

“The eVTOL jets are revolutionising guest transportation. Their unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes. Imagine traveling up to 175 km at speeds of 250 kmph, saving valuable time compared to traditional options. This technology also tackles traffic congestion head-on,” he adds.

“Business travellers and exhibition attendees will benefit tremendously from the ease and speed of electric aircraft, allowing them to seamlessly attend and participate in events. These innovative vehicles will also be a game-changer for tourism, sports and entertainment, offering a premium travel experience for these exciting destinations,” says Al-Omar.

Saudia says that through this agreement it continues its objective to bring the world to the Kingdom by deploying its fleet of advanced eVTOL jets. 

It says that this initiative enhances connectivity by providing seamless first and last leg connections into Saudia Group’s regional hubs and new point-to-point city connections, such as Jeddah to Makkah, expected to reduce regional travel times by up to 90 pc. 

The airline says that these jets will support Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, offer faster access to key sports and entertainment events in Riyadh, and unlock new possibilities for exploring hard-to-reach tourist destinations across the Kingdom. 

The statement adds that business travellers attending conferences and events will benefit from improved access and swift transportation. The eVTOL jets are anticipated to increase flight frequencies and decrease traffic congestion, providing a fast and convenient alternative for reaching various destinations within the Kingdom. 

Prior to commercialisation, Saudia Group says it will provide strategic support in Lilium’s certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory agency.

Klaus Roewe

“We are proud of our partnership with a market leading airline such as Saudia. And we are thrilled to be pioneering progress in the eVTOL industry as the eVTOL manufacturer with the largest reported firm purchase order from an international airline that plans to operate the aircraft,” says Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium.

“The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large and exciting market for electric, high-speed regional air mobility. Our partnership will combine Saudia Group’s significant market knowledge with our unique eVTOL technology to transform premium class air travel in the GCC region,” Roewe adds.

The statement adds that this purchase agreement with Saudia Group marks the latest addition to Lilium’s extensive order pipeline that now consists of 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options and roughly 600 aircraft under MOU. 

Lilium is in advanced discussions with other global carriers that are looking to reduce carbon emissions and electrify regional air travel.