Lilium, the German eVTOL start-up led by former Airbus executive Klaus Roewe, has signed its largest order yet with the Saudia Group (owners of the Saudia airline, among several aviation companies).
The order is for 50 aircraft as it stands, with an option for a further 50. The start-up, which has yet to begin scaled-up production, said it is aiming for 2026 delivery on the order and its existing bookings.
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The agreement followed an earlier MoU, promising Saudi interest in the German Urban Air Mobility developer. It is claimed to be the biggest deal of its kind for future eVTOL aircraft in the MENA region.
“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,” Lilium explained.
Saudia Group said its intention to build an air taxi network would support its religious travel and wider tourism sectors. It explained its network would connect Haij and Umrah pilgrims making their way to Meccah and Medina, while connections between Riyadh and Jeddah could support the recent uptick in sporting tourism (F1 and boxing have recently held big-ticket events in the Kingdom).
“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,” the group said.
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By GlobalData“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,” it added.
Lilium and GACA this week signed an MoU at Farnborough International Airshow, marking a formal step towards collaboration on airworthiness and regulatory frameworks.
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, said: “We are proud of our partnership with a market-leading airline such as Saudia. And we are thrilled to be pioneering progress in the eVTOL industry as the eVTOL manufacturer with the largest reported firm purchase order from an international airline that plans to operate the aircraft. The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large 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.”
