Saudia turns to Germany’s Lilium for flying taxis

Saudia, the kingdom’s flag carrier, has ordered up to 100 electric flying taxis from Germany-based air taxi developer Lilium, marking the largest commitment in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector by an airline.

Lilium said the state-owned airline made a firm order for 50 of its eVTOL aircraft, with an option for an additional 50 later. Saudia expects to receive the first jets in 2026, for which operations will be managed and run by Saudia Private, a unit of the group.

“We recognise 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,” Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of the aviation group, said in a statement, adding that the deal is the result of collaborative efforts between the two parties to explore Saudi Arabia’s eVTOL market.

“The eVTOL jets are revolutionising guest transportation. Business travellers and exhibition attendees will benefit tremendously from the ease and speed of electric aircraft, allowing them to attend and participate in events seamlessly. The innovative vehicles will also be a game-changer for tourism, sports, and entertainment.”

The flag carrier said it will provide strategic support in Lilium’s certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Saudi aviation regulator, prior to commercialisation.

The deal also includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, a timeline of future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions on spare parts, maintenance, and repairs.

Similarly, Saudia and Lilium intend to sign a comprehensive ‘Lilium POWER-ON’ agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services.

Lilium’s aircraft, which features small ducted fans and two pairs of wings, features large, premium cabins with a capacity for up to six passengers plus luggage.

The sale agreement formalises a framework deal arranged in October 2022 and adds to Lilium’s order pipeline, which now consists of 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and as many as 600 aircraft under memorandums of understanding.

Saudia plans to use air shuttles to transport pilgrims between Mecca and Jeddah, and the eVTOLs are expected to reduce regional travel times by up to 90 per cent.

Founded in 1945, the flag carrier operates a fleet of 144 aircraft, connecting Saudi Arabia with more than 100 destinations across four continents. It plans to triple its annual passenger numbers to 300 million by the end of the decade.

The state-owned airline is poised for unprecedented growth, with two major agreements with Boeing and Airbus for the acquisition of 103 new aircraft over the coming years.

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