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Saudia Group and Lilium NV (NASDAQ: LILM), a leading manufacturer of electric aircraft and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), signed a sales agreement on Saturday for 50 Lilium jets, with options to purchase 50 more.
The signing ceremony took place at Lilium’s headquarters in Munich. The contract was signed by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, representing the Saudia Group, and Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, in the presence of several distinguished guests, including HE Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, CEO of the Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Tom Enders, Chairman of Lilium.
This sales agreement, which follows the Memorandum of Understanding between Saudia Group and Lilium signed in October 2022, represents the largest of its kind in the MENA region and marks a significant milestone for the industry as the largest firm order for eVTOL aircraft by an airline planning to operate the aircraft. It demonstrates a substantial commitment to electric aviation from a leading global operator, as well as a clear preference for the superior performance, economics and passenger experience that the Lilium jet is expected to deliver.
The agreement includes a deposit and pre-delivery payment schedule, a timeline for future deliveries, aircraft performance warranties, and provisions for spare parts, maintenance and repairs.
In addition, the parties plan to sign a global agreement “Lilium POWER ON” for maintenance and support services for the aircraft fleet.
HE Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Saudia Group, said at the signing ceremony: “Saudia Group is proud to pioneer the MENA region as the first company to acquire fully electric eVTOL jets, reflecting our commitment to continuously reduce our carbon footprint and become a leader in regional electric aviation. We recognize the critical role Lilium will play in enabling us to deliver a premium and sustainable flight experience, bringing our customers even closer to their destination. This agreement reinforces our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 and is the result of a collaborative effort between Lilium and Saudia Group over the past years to explore how best to introduce eVTOLs to the skies of Saudi Arabia. We look forward to the journey ahead.”
He added: “eVTOL jets are revolutionizing passenger transportation. Their unique vertical takeoff and landing capabilities are opening up entirely new routes. Imagine being able to travel up to 175 kilometers at a speed of 250 kilometers per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options.
This technology also tackles traffic congestion head on. Business travellers and exhibition attendees will benefit immensely from the ease and speed of electric aircraft, allowing them to attend and participate in events with ease. These innovative vehicles will also be a game changer for tourism, sports and entertainment, providing a superior travel experience to these exciting destinations.”
Through this agreement, Saudia Group continues its ambitious goal of attracting the world to the Kingdom by deploying its fleet of advanced eVTOL jets. This initiative strengthens connectivity by providing seamless connections to Saudia Group’s regional hubs and new point-to-point routes, such as Jeddah-Mecca, reducing regional travel times by up to 90%.
These jets will support the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, provide faster access to major sporting and entertainment events in Riyadh, and open up new opportunities to explore hard-to-reach tourist destinations across the Kingdom. In addition, business travelers attending conferences and events will benefit from improved access and fast transportation. The eVTOL jets are expected to increase flight frequency and reduce traffic congestion, providing a fast and convenient alternative to reach various destinations within the Kingdom.
Saudia Group plans to receive the first jets in 2026, with operations managed by Saudia Private, a subsidiary of Saudia Group. The Lilium jet will feature spacious, high-quality cabins that can accommodate up to six passengers with their luggage. It will deliver Saudia’s premium experience, which is highly valued by the airline’s customers.
Prior to commercialization, Saudia Group will provide strategic support to Lilium’s certification process with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GACA), the aviation regulatory agency in Saudi Arabia.
For his part, Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, said: “We are proud of our partnership with a leading airline like Saudia. And we are delighted to be a pioneer in the eVTOL industry as the manufacturer with the largest firm order from an international carrier planning to operate these aircraft. The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large and exciting market for high-speed regional electric air mobility. Our partnership will combine Saudia Group’s significant market knowledge with our unique eVTOL technology to transform first-class air travel in the GCC region.”
This purchase agreement with Saudia Group marks the latest addition to Lilium’s extensive order pipeline, which now includes 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and approximately 600 aircraft under MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding). Lilium is in advanced discussions with other global carriers seeking to reduce carbon emissions and electrify regional air travel.