Saudia Group’s agreement for 50 Lilium Jets marks a major milestone in regional electric aviation, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
Saudia Group and Lilium N.V., a leading electric aircraft manufacturer, signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets. There are options for the purchase of 50 more. The signature ceremony took place at Lilium’s HQ in Gauting near Munich. Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, signed on behalf of Saudia Group. Lilium’s CEO Klaus Roewe also signed the contract. Several distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group. Additionally, Lilium Chairman Tom Enders was present.
This sales agreement follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2022 between Saudia Group and Lilium. It marks the largest of its kind in the MENA region. Additionally, it represents a significant industry milestone as the largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline. The airline plans to operate the aircraft. This agreement signals a substantial commitment to electric aviation from a world-leading operator. Moreover, it shows a clear preference for the Lilium Jet’s superior performance, economics, and passenger experience.
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 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 agreement includes a schedule for deposit and pre-delivery payments. It also outlines the timeline for future deliveries. Additionally, it guarantees aircraft performance and includes provisions for spare parts, maintenance, and repairs. Furthermore, the parties plan to sign a comprehensive “Lilium POWER-ON” agreement. This will cover aircraft fleet maintenance and support services.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, added, “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.”
Through this agreement, Saudia Group advances its goal to connect the world to the Kingdom with advanced eVTOL jets. This initiative enhances connectivity by offering seamless first and last leg connections into Saudia Group’s regional hubs. Additionally, it provides new point-to-point city connections, like Jeddah to Makkah, reducing regional travel times by up to 90%. These jets will support Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages and provide faster access to key events in Riyadh. They will also enable exploration of hard-to-reach tourist destinations across the Kingdom. Moreover, business travelers attending conferences and events will benefit from improved access and swift transportation. The eVTOL jets are expected to increase flight frequencies and decrease traffic congestion. Consequently, they provide a fast and convenient alternative for reaching various destinations within the Kingdom.
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.”
Saudia Group expects to receive the first jets in 2026. Operations will be managed by Saudia Private, a subsidiary of Saudia Group. Additionally, The Lilium Jet will feature large, premium cabins with capacity for up to six passengers plus luggage. Furthermore, It will provide the Saudia premium experience highly valued by the airline’s guests.
Before commercialization, Saudia Group will support Lilium’s certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). GACA is Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory agency.
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This purchase agreement with Saudia Group adds to Lilium’s extensive order pipeline. The pipeline now consists of 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and roughly 600 aircraft under MOU. Moreover, Lilium is in advanced discussions with additional global carriers. These carriers aim to reduce carbon emissions and electrify regional air travel.
Q. – What agreement did Saudia Group and Lilium N.V. sign?
A. – A binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets.
Q. – Where was the agreement signed?
A. – At Lilium’s HQ in Gauting near Munich.
