Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: The Saudi aviation conglomerate Saudia Group signed the largest global agreement with Lilium, a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), to acquire up to 100 Lilium electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jets.
The jets are expected to be delivered during the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2026, according to the Saudi group's statement.
The agreement was signed by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, representing Saudia Group, and Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, in the presence of several senior officials including Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders.
This deal, which is considered the largest of its kind in the MENA region, underscores Saudia’s commitment to upgrade electric aviation and enhance passenger experience.
The agreement 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.
Further, Saudia and Lilium will sign a comprehensive “Lilium Power On” agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services.
Al-Omar affirmed that the agreement reflects Saudia’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and becoming an industry leader in regional electric aviation.
“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,” Al-Omar added.
For his part, CEO Roewe commented: “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.”
Moreover, the purchase agreement marks the latest addition to Lilium’s extensive order pipeline which now consists of 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and roughly 600 aircraft under MOU.