Saudia Airlines has placed its largest order yet to purchase up to 100 electric take of and landing jets worth $700 million from German electric air taxi firm, Lilium.
The air taxis are expected to be delivered by 2029 with the aim of transporting pilgrims between Makkah and Jeddah as well as guests to key sporting and tourist destinations across Saudia Arabia.
Saudia Group Deal with Lilium
The agreement, inked at Lilium’s headquarters in Munich, Germany, encompasses a firm order for 50 eVTOL jets, with an option to acquire an additional 50 aircraft.
This strategic partnership positions Saudia Group as the first entity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to embrace Lilium’s revolutionary all-electric air mobility solution.
Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative, stating,
“The eVTOL jets are poised to revolutionize guest transportation. Their unique vertical takeoff and landing capabilities open up new routes, offering unparalleled convenience and efficiency.”
Lilium’s eVTOL Jets
Lilium’s eVTOL jets represent a paradigm shift in air travel, harnessing the power of electric propulsion systems to provide an eco-friendly and remarkably quiet mode of transportation.
These cutting-edge aircraft are 6 times quieter than traditional helicopters, significantly reducing noise pollution and carbon emissions.
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, underscored the company’s commitment to the MENA region, stating,
“The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a huge 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.”
Elevating Accessibility
Saudia Group aims to enhance connectivity across the Kingdom through this groundbreaking agreement by leveraging the advanced capabilities of Lilium’s eVTOL jets.
These innovative aircraft are poised to provide swift, seamless connections to regional hubs and establish new city-to-city routes, potentially reducing travel times by up to 90%.
Streamlining Pilgrimages Access
One of the key objectives of this partnership is to streamline the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, offering pilgrims a faster and more convenient mode of transportation.
Additionally, the eVTOL jets will facilitate improved access to major sporting and entertainment events in Riyadh, ensuring attendees arrive at their destinations with ease and efficiency.
Boosting Business Connectivity
Business travelers will also benefit significantly from this initiative, as the eVTOL jets will facilitate improved access and swift transportation between key commercial centers.
This will save valuable time and contribute to increased productivity and enhanced business opportunities within the region.
Lilium Power On Agreement
The agreement between Saudia Group and Lilium extends beyond acquiring eVTOL jets, encompassing a comprehensive framework for seamless operations.
It includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, a timeline for future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions for spare parts, maintenance, and repairs.
Moreover, the parties intend to sign a ‘Lilium Power On’ agreement to provide comprehensive aircraft fleet maintenance and support services, ensuring the eVTOL jets operate optimally throughout their lifecycle.
Supporting Vision 2030
Saudia Group’s commitment to continuously reducing its carbon footprint and becoming an industry leader in regional electric aviation is a testament to its forward-thinking approach.
This strategic partnership with Lilium aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious national blueprint to diversify the economy, promote sustainability, and enhance the Kingdom’s global competitiveness.
Order Pipeline Expansion
Lilium’s order pipeline has experienced a substantial boost with the addition of Saudia Group’s agreement. The company now boasts 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and approximately 600 aircraft under memoranda of understanding (MoUs).
Lilium is also engaged in advanced discussions with other global carriers seeking to reduce carbon emissions and electrify regional air travel, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the eVTOL market.
Regulatory Collaboration
Before the eVTOL jets can take to the skies, Saudia Group has committed to providing strategic support to Lilium’s certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory agency.
This collaboration aims to ensure a smooth integration of the eVTOL jets into the Kingdom’s airspace, paving the way for their safe and efficient operation.
Transforming Air Travel
Saudia Group’s partnership with Lilium represents a transformative vision for regional mobility as the world embraces sustainable transportation solutions.
With the first eVTOL jets expected to be delivered in 2026, Saudia Group and Lilium are paving the way for a future where air travel is not only accessible but also sustainable, setting a precedent for the entire aviation industry to follow.
More Saudi Moves into eVTOL Tech
Self-Driving Air Taxis
Saudi Arabia initiated trials for self-driving air taxis during Hajj 2024, becoming the first country to have a licensed service regulated by a civil aviation authority.
These electric air taxis, introduced by the Transport General Authority, aimed to improve transportation for pilgrims between Makkah and Madinah, assist with emergency travel, and offer logistical support.
This initiative aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote sustainable and AI-driven transportation solutions in the country.
PIF’s Partnership with Bristow
The Helicopter Company, supported by PIF, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bristow Arabia Aircraft & Maintenance Services to collaborate on innovative air mobility projects in Saudi Arabia.
The primary goal of this partnership is to revolutionize the vertical aviation industry, specifically through the implementation of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, and to expand the aviation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
With a fleet of 47 aircraft, the Helicopter Company is the leading commercial helicopter operator in Saudi Arabia. It provides services such as Emergency Medical Services, private charters, and tourism.
Saudia Flying Taxi
Saudi Arabian Airlines plans to transform the Hajj travel experience by implementing Flying taxis to ferry pilgrims from Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport to Makkah hotels during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Saudia, Saudi Arabian Airlines, has committed to acquiring 100 Lilium aircraft, electric vertical take-off, and landing jets manufactured in Germany.
These planes provide a solution with minimal carbon emissions and can transport four to six passengers over a distance of 250 km. The introduction of this new service aims to cater to high-end guests seeking luxurious travel experiences.
Flynas and Eve Air Mobility eVTOL Flights
Flynas and Eve Air Mobility partnered to introduce eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) flights in Riyadh and Jeddah by 2026.
It was announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been reached between the two companies to investigate the potential of eVTOL flights in both cities.
This initiative aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s emerging aviation sector and contribute to achieving Vision 2030’s sustainability objectives.
Keep Reading: Saudi Arabia Unveils First Self-Driving Air Taxi For Hajj Pilgrims
