TBM Staff - Mumbai
Saudia Group and Lilium N.V. have signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets, with options for an additional 50. The signing ceremony took place at Lilium’s headquarters in Munich, attended by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO, Saudia Private, and Klaus Roewe, CEO, Lilium, along with distinguished guests such as H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders.
This agreement, following a Memorandum of Understanding from October 2022, marks a significant milestone in the MENA region as the largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline intending to operate them. It underscores Saudia Group’s commitment to electric aviation and highlights the expected superior performance and passenger experience of the Lilium Jet. The agreement includes a detailed schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, future delivery timelines, aircraft performance guarantees, and provisions for spare parts, maintenance, and repairs. Additionally, a comprehensive “Lilium POWER ON” agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services is anticipated.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, expressed pride in pioneering the MENA region’s adoption of all-electric eVTOL jets. He emphasised the commitment to reducing carbon footprints and leading in regional electric aviation. The partnership with Lilium aims to deliver a sustainable premium aviation experience, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. The eVTOL jets are set to revolutionise guest transportation with their vertical take-off and landing capabilities, creating new routes and significantly reducing travel times while addressing traffic congestion.
Through this agreement, Saudia Group aims to enhance connectivity by providing seamless first and last leg connections into its regional hubs and new point-to-point city connections, such as Jeddah to Makkah, expected to cut regional travel times by up to 90%. The jets will support Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, offer faster access to key events in Riyadh, and open up new tourism possibilities across the Kingdom. Business travellers will benefit from improved access and swift transportation, increasing flight frequencies and providing a convenient alternative for reaching various destinations within Saudi Arabia.
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 for up to six passengers plus luggage, delivering a premium experience valued by the airline’s guests. Saudia Group will support Lilium’s certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) before commercialisation. Klaus Roewe, CEO, Lilium, expressed pride in partnering with Saudia and highlighted the Middle East as a priority market for electric, high-speed regional air mobility. This purchase agreement enhances Lilium’s order pipeline and signifies a strong move towards electrifying regional air travel.
