Friday, July 19, 2024 In a significant advancement for electric aviation, Saudia Group and Lilium N.V., a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), have signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets, with an option to purchase an additional 50 jets.
The signing ceremony was held at Lilium’s headquarters in Munich. Representing Saudia Group, Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, and Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, formalized the agreement. The event was attended by notable figures such as H.
E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders.
This agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2022 between Saudia Group and Lilium, marking the largest deal of its kind in the MENA region. It represents the most significant firm order of eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft by an airline intending to operate the fleet. This milestone reflects Saudia Group’s strong commitment to electric aviation and confidence in the Lilium Jet’s superior performance, economics, and passenger experience.
The contract includes a detailed schedule for deposit and pre-delivery payments, a timeline for future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions for spare parts, maintenance, and repairs. Additionally, the parties plan to enter into a comprehensive “Lilium POWER ON” agreement for fleet maintenance and support services. This strategic partnership underscores Saudia Group’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable aviation and positions them as a leader in the electric aviation sector in the region.
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Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commented at the signing event: “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. This agreement amplifies our commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030 and is the result of a collaborative effort over the past years between Lilium and Saudia Group to explore how we can best bring eVTOL to the skies of Saudi Arabia.
We are looking forward to the journey ahead.” He added: “The eVTOL jets are revolutionizing guest transportation. Their unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes.
Imagine traveling up to 175 kilometers at speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options. This technology also tackles traffic congestion head-on. Business travelers and exhibition attendees will benefit tremendously from the ease and speed of electric aircraft, allowing them to seamlessly attend and participate in events.
These innovative vehicles will also be a game-changer for tourism, sports, and entertainment, offering a premium travel experience for these exciting destinations.” Saudia Group is advancing its ambitious goal of enhancing connectivity across Saudi Arabia through a new agreement with Lilium N.V.
The deployment of Lilium’s advanced eVTOL jets will significantly improve travel within the Kingdom, offering seamless first and last leg connections to Saudia Group’s regional hubs and creating new point-to-point city routes. For instance, the Jeddah to Makkah route is expected to see regional travel times reduced by up to 90%. These eVTOL jets will play a crucial role in supporting Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, providing faster access to major sports and entertainment events in Riyadh, and enabling exploration of hard-to-reach tourist destinations.
Business travelers will also benefit from enhanced access and swift transportation to conferences and events. The jets are anticipated to increase flight frequencies and reduce traffic congestion, offering a quick and convenient alternative for reaching various destinations within Saudi Arabia. Saudia Group plans to receive the first Lilium jets in 2026, with operations managed by Saudia Private, a subsidiary of Saudia Group.
The Lilium Jet, featuring large, premium cabins with a capacity for up to six passengers plus luggage, promises to deliver the high-quality Saudia experience that the airline’s guests value. Ahead of commercial operations, Saudia Group will provide strategic support to Lilium in its certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory body. This collaboration marks a significant step towards sustainable and efficient air travel within the Kingdom, positioning Saudia Group at the forefront of regional air mobility innovation.
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.” The purchase agreement with Saudia Group is a significant addition to Lilium’s growing order pipeline, which now includes 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and approximately 600 aircraft under Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). Lilium is also in advanced discussions with several other global carriers that aim to reduce carbon emissions and electrify regional air travel.
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