Air taxi firm Lilium wins big order from Saudia: Reports

Germany-based air taxi developer Lilium has won a major order from state-owned Saudi Arabian airline (Saudia), a source familiar with the deal told Reuters on Wednesday.

The customer had signed a framework deal to buy 100 Lilium jets some 18 months ago and has invited reporters to an event which it said will give insight into Saudia’s forthcoming deals at Lilium headquarters near Munich on July 18.

The source said the aim was to convert the deal into a concrete order for vertical take-off electric air taxis.

Lilium declined to comment specifically but sent an invitation to the same event, saying reporters would witness an important contract signing.

It would be one of the biggest orders for Lilium. The firm needs advance payments from customers to finalise the development of its flying taxi.

The first manned flight is scheduled for the end of the year.

Geneva, what a high! Thanks to everyone who came to see us at EBACE last week. For us, this was an exciting and important milestone as it marked the first public display of our full-scale model jet. You can watch the highlights here.#Lilium #eVTOL $LILM #EBACE24 pic.twitter.com/uU2iAKZThp

— Lilium (@Lilium) June 4, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s eVTOL push

Additionally, Saudi Arabia is focusing on developing the low altitude flying economy with the world’s first licensed autonomous air taxi, trialing its maiden flight on June 12, in the holy city of Mecca.

The autonomous flight, conducted by EHang Holdings in collaboration with Saudi-based Front End, is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into its transportation network.

This initiative aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 national programme, aimed at fostering a “Connected Kingdom” and establishing Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovative transportation solutions in the Middle East.

Lilium’s expansion

The eVTOL manufacturing firm said its commercial order pipeline is over 780 aircraft, including firm orders and memoranda of understanding as well as orders by UrbanLink and eVolare. 

Among its other recent accomplishments are:

• Successfully concluded fundraise with $114m gross proceeds.
• Production of the first Lilium Jets significantly advanced. 
• Battery pack production started at Lilium’s purpose-built battery facility.  
• Testing underway towards first manned flight and certification.  
• Expanded support network in key markets partnering with Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and UrbanV to bring Lilium Jet flights to the French Riviera and with Atlantic Aviation to support US-wide Lilium Jet operations. 
• Lilium signed a collaboration agreement with the Shenzhen-based Bao’an District. Under the agreement, Lilium established its [APAC] regional headquarters in the district by way of its recently created Chinese entity, meaning “Powerful Wing”. 

Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe commented, “Lilium continues its disciplined approach. Our focus is on the delivery of key programme milestones such as the start of production of our aviation-grade battery packs achieved in April.”

“Our engineering and manufacturing teams are currently working full speed to achieve the first manned flight of the Lilium Jet, targeted for the end of this year. We will be keeping the market abreast of program progress over the course of the year.” 

Read: World’s first licensed autonomous air taxi takes flight during Hajj 2024