Saudi Arabia buys 100 electric aircraft for air taxi

At the end of July 2024, the leading manufacturer of electric aircraft Lilium N.V. signed an agreement with Saudia Group to sell 50 Lilium Jets to Saudi Arabia with the possibility of acquiring another 50 aircraft in the future for the deployment of an air taxi fleet.

This largest agreement of its kind in the MENA region represents a major milestone in the industry's history as it is the largest registered order for electric aircraft. The agreement includes a schedule of pledge and pre-delivery payments, a schedule of future deliveries, guarantees for the performance of aircraft, as well as provisions for spare parts, maintenance and repair. In addition, the parties intend to sign a comprehensive agreement on the provision of services for the maintenance of the aircraft fleet.

Lilium

According to the manufacturer, electric aircraft will revolutionize passenger transportation. Their unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes and allow for improved transport links in Saudi Arabia, providing uninterrupted links to regional hubs, as well as new direct routes to cities such as Jeddah and Mecca. It is expected that the new fleet will reduce the time spent on regional travel by up to 90% and solve the problem with traffic jams. The new planes will be used for Hajj and Umru pilgrimages, provide faster access to key sporting and entertainment events in Riyadh, and offer new opportunities to explore hard-to-reach tourist destinations across the kingdom. In addition, business travelers attending conferences and special events will benefit from air taxi.

Saudia Group expects to receive the first aircraft in 2026.^[1]

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