Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, has announced a major deal with German manufacturer Lilium NV to purchase 50 electric flying taxis, with an option to double the order as the Kingdom looks to adopt advanced modes of transportation to tourist attractions.
The binding sales agreement was signed during an event in Gauting, near Munich, where Lilium is headquartered. This follows a memorandum of understanding that the two parties entered into in late 2022 for Lilium’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Planned deployment of Lilium eVTOLs in Saudi
Saudia further plans to deploy these aircraft across various locations in the country. This includes Jeddah, where the eVTOLs will be used to transport passengers between the city and hotels in Mecca, catering to religious tourism. Additional deployments are planned for the capital and the Red Sea region, where the aircraft will shuttle people between airports and emerging tourism sites.
Additionally, the final number of air taxi jets purchased will depend on the performance and support provided by Lilium, according to Saudia. Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to invest $800 billion in tourism over the next decade, aiming to host 150 million tourists annually.
Largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline
The order, valued at an estimated $450 million, represents the largest commitment made by an airline in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft sector to date, according to the companies involved.
The $7 million Lilium jet, capable of accommodating four to six passengers and one pilot, is designed more like a small aircraft than a helicopter, featuring two sets of wings and electrically-powered ducted turbines.
Read more: Saudia wins world class title at World APEX Awards 2024
Timeline for deliveries, testing
Moreover, Lilium expects to deliver the first jets to Saudia in 2026, with the company currently building the initial full-scale test aircraft as it awaits regulatory certification. The startup has pushed back the timeline for the first piloted test flights to early next year, due to delays with some components for the initial aircraft.
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