Saudia Group and Lilium have signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium jets, with options for 50 more. This follows a MoU signed in October 2022, and marks the largest reported firm order for eVTOL aircraft by an airline that plans to operate the aircraft.
On Thursday (July 18, 2024), Saudia Group announced that they have placed a firm order with Lilium N.V. for 50 Lilium eVTOL jets, with options for 50 more. According to the carrier, this is the largest reported firm order for eVTOL aircraft by an airline that plans on operating the aircraft, which will offer unprecedented air travel access for the Kingdom’s visitors and pilgrims. The contract was signed at Lilium’s HQ in Munich by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private and Lilium’s CEO, Klaus Roewe, in the presence of H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders.
In Thursday’s announcement, Saudia Group’s Director General, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, said,
“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 recognize 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. 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.
“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. Business travelers 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.”
Also commenting on the milestone eVTOL commitment, Lilium’s CEO, Klaus Roewe, added,
“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. 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.”
Saudia Group’s agreement with Lilium includes a schedule pf deposit and pre-delivery payments, delivery timeline, and aircraft performance guarantees, as well as provisions for spare parts, maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the companies intend to sign a comprehensive ‘Lilium POWER ON’ agreement for MRO and support services.
With the deployment of eVTOL aircraft, Saudia plans on enhancing connectivity by providing seamless first and last leg connectivity into their regional hubs and new point-to-point city connections, such as between Jeddah and Makkah, thereby reducing regional travel times by up to 90 percent. Delivery of Saudia’s first new eVTOL jets are expected in 2026, for which operations will be managed by Saudia Private, a Saudia Group subsidiary. The Lilium jet will feature large premium cabins with the capacity for up to six passengers and luggage. Prior to entering service, Saudia Group will also provide strategic support in Lilium’s certification process with GACA, Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory agency.
Source: Saudia Group