German air taxi developer Lilium has received its largest order to date, with Saudi Arabia's state airline Saudia agreeing to purchase up to 100 electric "Lilium Jets." This landmark deal, valued at approximately $700 million, includes 50 firm orders and options for 50 additional aircraft. The four-to-six-seater vertical take-off aircraft will be used to transport pilgrims between Mecca and Jeddah, as well as to major sporting events and tourist destinations in Riyadh.
The order represents a significant boost for Lilium, which is competing in a crowded market for eVTOL vehicles. The company has been facing financial challenges and recently postponed its first manned flight until 2025 due to component delivery issues. However, this major order could provide the necessary financial injection to continue development and potentially make Saudi Arabia a pioneer in electric aviation.
Saudia, the first major airline to order from Lilium, expects the first 50 planes to be delivered by 2029. The airline aims to triple its annual passenger numbers to 300 million by the end of the decade, with tourism playing a key role in Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" plan to diversify its economy.
