Sun, Jul 21, 2024
Initial Deliveries Expected In 2026
German eVTOL jet maker Lilium has inked a binding sales deal with Saudia Group for an initial 50 Lilium Jets with options for an additional 50, the companies announced July 18.
The signing was done by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, representing Saudia Group, and Lilium's CEO Klaus Roewe, in a ceremony that was held with several distinguished guests present including H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Tom Enders, Lilium Chairman.
The deal is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and is a significant landmark in the industry as the largest firm order of eVTOL aircraft by a commercial carrier with plans to operate them. Initial deliveries of the jets will begin in 2026 and will be operated by Saudia Group subsidiary Saudia Private.
Saudia Group will strategically support the Lilium jets through the certification process with Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory agency, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium commented on the deal, “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.”
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group said at the signing, “Saudia Group is proud to pioneer the MENA region as the first company to acquire all-electric eVTOL jets, which reflects our commitment to continuously reducing our carbon footprint and becoming an industry leader in regional electric aviation. We recognize the critical role that Lilium is positioned to play in enabling us to deliver a sustainable premium aviation experience and transport our guests even closer to their destination”
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