Lilium, a pioneering German eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) manufacturer, has signed its largest order to date with Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia. The agreement includes a firm order for 50 Lilium jets, with an option for an additional 50 aircraft. This deal marks a significant milestone for both companies and highlights the growing interest in sustainable aviation solutions in the Middle East.
Lilium’s agreement with Saudia represents a major step forward for the German company. The deal, which includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, is the largest commitment to date for Lilium’s innovative eVTOL jets. The aircraft are designed to provide a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air travel.
The partnership with Saudia is expected to accelerate Lilium’s production timeline, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026. This collaboration will also support Lilium’s efforts to achieve certification from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia. The certification process is a critical step in bringing Lilium’s eVTOL jets to market and ensuring their safe and reliable operation.
Saudia’s commitment to Lilium’s technology underscores the airline’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. The eVTOL jets will play a key role in Saudia’s plans to develop an air taxi network, connecting major cities and tourist destinations across the Kingdom.
Enhancing Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Sector
The introduction of Lilium’s eVTOL jets is expected to have a transformative impact on Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. The aircraft will provide a new mode of transportation for both domestic and international travelers, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional air travel. This is particularly important as Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its tourism industry and aims to attract millions of visitors each year.
The eVTOL jets will be used to connect key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, as well as popular tourist destinations like Mecca and Medina. This will help to reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility for travelers, making it easier for them to reach their destinations quickly and efficiently.
In addition to enhancing the travel experience for passengers, the introduction of eVTOL jets will also create new opportunities for the aviation industry in Saudi Arabia. The development of an air taxi network will require significant investment in infrastructure, including vertiports and charging stations, which will create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
The partnership between Lilium and Saudia aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil. One of the key pillars of Vision 2030 is the development of a sustainable and innovative transportation sector, and the introduction of eVTOL jets is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Lilium’s eVTOL jets are designed to be environmentally friendly, with zero emissions and low noise levels. This makes them an ideal solution for urban air mobility, where reducing pollution and noise is a top priority. The jets will also help to reduce the carbon footprint of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, contributing to the Kingdom’s efforts to combat climate change.
The collaboration with Lilium is just one example of how Saudi Arabia is embracing new technologies and innovative solutions to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens. By investing in sustainable aviation, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leader in the global transition to cleaner, more efficient modes of transportation.
