Saudia Group Signs Largest Global Agreement with Lilium to Acquire Up to 100 eVTOL Jets.
Offering Unprecedented Air Travel for the Kingdom’s Visitors, Pilgrims and Pakistan
KARACHI: Saudia Group and Lilium N.V. (NASDAQ: LILM), a leading electric aircraft manufacturer and pioneer in Regional Air Mobility (RAM), signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets, with options for the purchase of 50 more. The signature ceremony was held at Lilium’s HQ in 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 H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders.
This pioneering agreement between Saudia Group and Lilium has significant implications for countries like Pakistan, which are also exploring ways to modernize their aviation sectors and enhance regional connectivity. Pakistan, with its growing economy and strategic location in South Asia, could benefit from similar advancements in electric aviation. The introduction of eVTOL jets could provide a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation, potentially boosting tourism, business travel, and regional trade. Moreover, partnerships like the one between Saudia Group and Lilium could serve as a model for Pakistani aviation companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace cutting-edge technology. As Pakistan continues to develop its infrastructure and transportation networks, the lessons learned from such international collaborations could be invaluable in shaping its own future in regional air mobility.
H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, highlighted at the signing event: “Saudia Group pioneers the MENA region with the acquisition of all-electric eVTOL jets, underscoring our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and leading in regional electric aviation. The partnership with Lilium enhances our ability to provide sustainable premium aviation experiences and supports Saudi Vision 2030. These jets revolutionize guest transportation with their vertical take-off and landing capabilities, opening new routes and offering faster travel times, particularly benefiting business travelers, and exhibition attendees, and enhancing tourism, sports, and entertainment experiences.”
Saudia Group plans to receive its first jets in 2026 under Saudia Private, featuring spacious premium cabins for up to six passengers. They will assist Lilium with certification through Saudi Arabia’s GACA before commercialization.
This purchase agreement with Saudia Group 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. Lilium is in advanced discussions with additional global carriers that are looking to reduce carbon emissions and electrify regional air travel.
