Just one day after Lilium announced that the first manned flight of its Lilium Jet has been postponed to 2025, the eVTOL aircraft developer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM) was able to secure a major order for 100 Lilium Jets from Saudia Group. The companies have signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets, with options for the purchase of 50 more. The signing ceremony took place at Lilium’s headquarters in Gauting, near Munich.
Through this agreement, Saudia Group continues its ambitious objective to bring the world to the Kingdom by deploying its fleet of advanced eVTOL jets. This initiative enhances connectivity by providing seamless first and last leg connections into Saudia Group’s regional hubs and new point-to-point city connections, such as Jeddah to Makkah, expected to reduce regional travel times by up to 90%. These jets will support Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, offer faster access to key sports and entertainment events in Riyadh, and unlock new possibilities for exploring hard-to-reach tourist destinations across the Kingdom. Additionally, business travellers attending conferences and events will benefit from improved access and swift transportation. The eVTOL jets are anticipated to increase flight frequencies and decrease traffic congestion, providing a fast and convenient alternative for reaching various destinations within the Kingdom.
Saudia Group expects to receive the first jets in 2026, with operations managed and run by Saudia Private, a subsidiary of Saudia Group. The Lilium Jet will feature large, premium cabins with capacity for up to six passengers plus luggage. It will deliver the Saudia premium experience that is deeply valued by the airline’s guests.
Prior to commercialisation, Saudia Group will provide strategic support in Lilium’s certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory agency.
This sales agreement, which follows the Memorandum of Understanding between Saudia Group and Lilium signed in October 2022, marks the largest of its kind in the MENA region and represents an important industry milestone as the largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline that plans to operate the aircraft. It signals a substantial commitment to electric aviation from a world-leading operator, as well as a clear preference towards the superior performance, economics, and passenger experience expected to be provided by the Lilium Jet.
The agreement includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, a timeline of future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions on spare parts, maintenance and repairs. In addition, the parties intend to sign a comprehensive “Lilium POWER-ON” agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services.
