Saudia Group has signed an agreement for the acquisition of up to 100 Lilium Jets from electric aircraft manufacturer, Lilium.
This agreement includes a firm order for 50 jets, alongside an option for an additional 50, marking the largest commitment for eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) jets by an airline operator to date.
The signing ceremony took place at Lilium’s headquarters in Gauting near Munich. The agreement was signed by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, and Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium.
The sales agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies signed in October 2022.
The contract includes detailed provisions on deposit and pre-delivery payments, a timeline for future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and stipulations for spare parts, maintenance, and repairs.
Additionally, both parties plan to finalise a comprehensive “Lilium POWER-ON” agreement for ongoing aircraft fleet maintenance and support services.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group 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 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.
The eVTOL jets are revolutionising guest transportation. Their unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes. Imagine travelling up to 175 kilometres at speeds of 250 kilometres per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options. This technology also tackles traffic congestion head-on.
Through this agreement, Saudia Group aims to enhance connectivity within the Kingdom, supporting first and last-leg connections to Saudia Group’s regional hubs, as well as introducing new point-to-point city connections.
For example, routes such as Jeddah to Makkah could see regional travel times reduced by up to 90%. The eVTOL jets will also facilitate Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, provide quick access to key sports and entertainment events in Riyadh, and unlock new possibilities for exploring remote tourist destinations.
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 accommodating up to six passengers and their luggage.
Before the jets are commercialised, Saudia Group will support Lilium in its 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 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.
