Saudia, Lilium Sign Deal for 100 Electric Jets

The flag carrier of Saudi Arabia enters a binding agreement for 50 aircraft, with the option to purchase 50 more.

Jack Daleo

Friday, July 19, 2024 at 03:09 PM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

Saudia intends to fly the Lilium Jet on routes across Saudi Arabia. [Courtesy: Lilium]

Key Takeaways:

Lilium and Saudia Group finalized a binding agreement for the purchase of 50 Lilium Jets, with an option for 50 more, marking the largest eVTOL sales deal in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region.
Deliveries are expected to commence in 2026, aiming to establish an eVTOL network across Saudi Arabia for applications ranging from tourism and business travel to potentially alleviating congestion during Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Saudia Private will operate the jets, while Lilium will provide fleet maintenance and support, underscoring Saudi Arabia's strategic importance as a major market for electric high-speed regional air mobility.

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Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jets are coming to the Middle East.

Lilium, manufacturer of the seven-seat Lilium Jet, on Thursday announced that Saudia Group—owner of Saudia, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia and one of the largest airlines in the region—signed a binding sales agreement for the purchase of 50 aircraft, with an option for 50 more. Saudia expects to receive its first jets in 2026.