Saudia orders 50 Lilium electric flying taxis for $700m

• Saudi national airline to leverage Lilium’s air shuttles to transport pilgrims between the holy cities of Mecca and Jeddah, as well as to provide transportation to major sporting events and tourist destinations within the kingdom.
• Electric jets offer an alternative to traditional road trips and short-haul flights, addressing the need for more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation options.

Germany-based developer Lilium has announced its largest order to date, securing a deal with the Saudi Arabian national airline, Saudia Group.

The agreement, valued at an impressive $700 million, outlines Saudia’s firm order for 50 of Lilium’s all-electric flying shuttles, with an option for an additional 50 vehicles in the future.

The deal, signed at Lilium’s headquarters outside Munich, underscores the growing interest and demand for innovative air mobility solutions.

A promising alternative

Lilium’s electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) Jets, designed to transport four to six passengers, offer a promising alternative to traditional road trips and short-haul flights, addressing the need for more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation options.

Saudia’s decision to invest in Lilium’s cutting-edge technology aligns with the Saudi government’s ambitious “Vision 2030” plan, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and boost air traffic and tourism.

The national airline intends to leverage Lilium’s air shuttles to transport pilgrims between the holy cities of Mecca and Jeddah, as well as to provide transportation to major sporting events and tourist destinations within the kingdom.

Expanding beyond Germany

The partnership represents a significant step forward for Lilium, which has been competing in the crowded eVTOL market. With this landmark deal, the company can now focus on finalising the development of its flying taxi, leveraging the advance payments from Saudia to propel its innovative technology towards commercialisation.

The first manned flight of Lilium’s vertical take-off aircraft is now expected to take place in the beginning of next year, following a brief delay due to supply chain challenges.

Lilium’s co-founder, Daniel Wiegand, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the potential for the air shuttles to transform transportation within Saudi Arabia.

“The deal not only secures a significant order for Lilium but also underscores the global appeal of its cutting-edge technology, as the company continues to expand its footprint beyond its German roots.”

Saudia’s Chief Marketing Officer, Khaled Tash, said the air shuttles will play a crucial role in realising the kingdom’s ambitious plans to boost air traffic and tourism.

“The delivery of the first 50 aircraft is expected to commence by 2029, marking a significant milestone in the integration of eVTOL technology into commercial air services.”