Saudia Group and Lilium N.V., a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), signed a binding sales agreement on 18th July, 2024, for 50 Lilium Jets, with options for the purchase of 50 more. The signature ceremony was held at Lilium's HQ in Gauting near Munich. The contract was signed by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, representing Saudia Group, and Lilium's CEO Klaus Roewe, in the presence of several distinguished guests including Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group; and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders.
This sales agreement, which follows the Memorandum of Understanding between Saudia Group and Lilium signed in October 2022, marks the largest of its kind in the MENA region and represents an important industry milestone as the largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline that plans to operate the aircraft.
The firm order for 50 Lilium jets, with an option for 50 more, is the largest commitment in the eVTOL sector by an airline operator.
The agreement includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, 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.
H.E. Engr. 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."
Saudia Group expects to receive the first jets in 2026, for which operations will be managed and run by Saudia Private, a subsidiary of Saudia Group. The Lilium Jet will feature large, premium cabins with capacity for up to six passengers plus luggage.
Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, said the partnership will combine Saudia Group's significant market knowledge with Lilium's unique eVTOL technology to transform premium class air travel in the GCC region. This purchase agreement marks the latest addition to Lilium's extensive order pipeline that now consists of 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and roughly 600 aircraft under MOU.
Source: lilium.com
