Saudia Group has signed up for 50 Lilium Jet electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft with an option for 50 more at a ceremony at Lilium’s headquarters in Munich, Germany.
The deal is a sign of confidence in the emerging eVTOL market and could see Saudia offer the eVTOL aircraft to their premium customers for connecting to and from Saudia flights.
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.
“We recognize 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. 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.”
The Lilum eVTOL jet is a brand-new design that is still in development, but the aircraft is due to begin flight testing in early 2025.
Designed partially as a replacement for helicopter transfers the aircraft boasts a spacious cabin and single-pilot operations.
One of the most striking features of the Lilium Jet is the 30 ducted fan electric turbines which swivel through 90 degrees to transition from vertical lift on take-off and landing through to horizontal thrust for conventional flight.
We were invited to see the production model of the Lilum Jet at Farnborough today as well as meeting Chief Commercial Officer Sebastien Borel who explained more detail about the Lilium Jet and its operation, which we will go into in a feature soon.
The cabin was spacious, even for a 6ft2 aviation journalist, and the 4 seats had a generous pitch and landscape windows that would make short hops a wonder to behold.
As you would expect with new technology, safety is very much built in from the ground up with the Lilium Jet capable of flying safely with several of its 30 motors out of action.
Its environmental credentials are also beyond question with zero emissions and a quiet operation making it ideal for busy city areas.
H.E Al Omar added: “The eVTOL jets are revolutionizing guest transportation. Their unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes. Imagine travelling up to 175 kilometers at speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options.
“This technology also tackles traffic congestion head-on. Business travellers and exhibition attendees will benefit tremendously from the ease and speed of electric aircraft, allowing them to seamlessly attend and participate in events. These innovative vehicles will also be a game-changer for tourism, sports, and entertainment, offering a premium travel experience for these exciting destinations.”
