Lilium and Saudia have confirmed that the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia has signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets, with options for the purchase of 50 more.
It is understood that the agreement is the largest commitment in the electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector by an airline operator and follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Saudia and Lilium in October 2022.
The contract was signed on July 18, 2024, at Lilium’s HQ in Gauting near Munich by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, and the eVTOL developer’s CEO Klaus Roewe.
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.
In addition, the parties intend to sign a comprehensive “Lilium POWER-ON” agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services.
“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,” Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said.
‘eVTOL jets are revolutionizing guest transportation’
He added: “The eVTOL jets are revolutionizing guest transportation. Their unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes. Imagine traveling up to 175 kilometers at speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options. This technology also tackles traffic congestion head-on.”
Al-Omar also praised the “critical role that Lilium is positioned to play” and the two aviation companies’ collaboration over the years.
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.
“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. 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,” Lilium’s CEO said.
This purchase agreement with Saudia marks the latest addition to Lilium’s order book that now consists of 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and around 600 aircraft under MOU.
Lilium is pursuing certification for its eVTOL aircraft from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Lilium is currently building the initial two aircraft at its production facility in Gauting with the first (Lilium Jet MSN 1) set to be used exclusively for ground testing in a few weeks.
The second aircraft (Lilium Jet MSN 2) will be used for the first manned flight in early 2025.
Rumors of a pottential deal between Lilium and Saudia began to swirl earlier this month.