Saudia’s Landmark Purchase of Lilium Jets
Saudia, also known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has entered into a binding agreement to purchase 50 Lilium Jets, with an option to acquire an additional 50. This deal marks a significant milestone in the aviation sector, particularly in the burgeoning field of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The agreement was formalized on July 18, 2024, at Lilium’s headquarters in Gauting, near Munich, Germany. This event was attended by high-ranking officials from both companies, including Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, and Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium.
The contract outlines a series of critical elements such as deposit schedules, pre-delivery payments, and a clear timeline for future deliveries. It also includes performance guarantees for the aircraft and provisions for spare parts, maintenance, and repairs. Moreover, the two parties have agreed to negotiate a comprehensive “Lilium POWER-ON” service agreement, which will cover extensive fleet maintenance and support services.
Transforming Regional Travel with eVTOL Technology
Ibrahim Al-Omar, the Director General of Saudia Group, emphasized the revolutionary impact of eVTOL jets on guest transportation. He highlighted the jets’ vertical take-off and landing capabilities, which facilitate the opening of new routes and significantly reduce travel times. With the ability to travel up to 175 kilometers at speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, these jets offer a promising solution to the challenges posed by traffic congestion.
Al-Omar also acknowledged Lilium’s pivotal role in this transformative era of aviation, expressing confidence in the fruitful collaboration between the two companies. Saudia Group plans to initiate operations with the first batch of jets in 2026, which will be managed by Saudia Private, a subsidiary dedicated to specialized aviation services.
The interior design of the Lilium Jets is tailored for luxury, featuring spacious, premium cabins that can accommodate up to six passengers along with their luggage. This design is aimed at providing an exclusive and comfortable travel experience.
Strategic Expansion and Future Prospects
Lilium’s CEO, Klaus Roewe, shared his enthusiasm about partnering with a leading airline like Saudia. He noted that this agreement represents the largest confirmed purchase order from an international airline in the eVTOL industry to date. Roewe also mentioned that the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, is envisioned as a significant and dynamic market for their cutting-edge, high-speed regional air mobility solutions.
Lilium is currently focused on obtaining certification for its eVTOL aircraft from both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company is in the process of constructing the initial two aircraft at its Gauting facility. The first aircraft, Lilium Jet MSN 1, will soon undergo ground testing, while the second, Lilium Jet MSN 2, is slated for its maiden manned flight in early 2025.
The agreement with Saudia is a key addition to Lilium’s expanding order book, which now includes 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and approximately 600 aircraft under memorandum of understanding (MoU).