Saudia, Germany's Lilium sign agreement to purchase up to 100 eVTOL jets

The signing of the agreement

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and German aviation firm Lilium, the developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet, sealed an agreement to purchase 50 confirmed Lilium Jets, with an option to buy an additional 50 later.

According to Saudia’s statement, the deal is considered the largest confirmed order for eVTOL jet. It included a schedule for jet deliveries and guarantees on the performance and comprehensive maintenance of the jet fleet and support services.

The two parties also intend to sign the Lilium POWER ON agreement, which will include maintenance and support services for the jet fleet.

Saudia will receive the first jet by 2026. Its operation will be approved in accordance with the safety and quality guarantee regulations by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The first jet will be operated and managed through Saudia Private Aviation (SPA), as the Lilium jet features large cabins that can accommodate up to six guests plus luggage.

Saudia’s Director-General Ibrahim Al-Omar stated that electric jets provide new routes for transporting guests, being able to take off and land vertically. They travel up to 175 kilometers at a speed of up to 250 kilometers per hour, thus saving guests’ time by approximately 90% compared to other transportation means.

Al-Omar highlighted that electric jets serve the business and exhibition sector by facilitating the transportation of guests to attend and participate in sector-specific events. They are also deemed a qualitative choice for tourist destinations as well as sports and entertainment events, besides connecting pilgrims to Makkah and the holy sites.

Electric jets are environmentally friendly, making it possible for air travel to be sustainable, he concluded.