ALBAWABA – Saudia Group, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines Holding Corporation, signed a deal to purchase 100 electric aircraft jets with Lilium, the Germany leading manufacturer of electric aircraft and an innovator in the field of Regional Air Mobility (RAM). The agreement includes 100 aircrafts, 50 of which are confirmed, and the other half will be purchased later as requested by Saudia Group.
Saudia Group aims to facilitate jets to support Hajj, Umrah, as well as giving easy access to many events in Saudi Arabia. The group announced receiving the first jet in the first quarter of 2026 in conjunction with operating the electric aircraft flights by the company.
eVTOL Jets by Lilium
eVTOL, the jets manufactured by Lilium, operates entirely on electric power, and are distinguished by their ability to take off and land vertically, without the need for airports.
eVTOL jets can travel up to 175 kilometers at a speed of up to 250 kilometers per hour and can accommodate up to 6 passengers.
3D illustration of an electric aircraft jet
Khalid bin Abdul Qader, Saudia Group's Marketing Director, stressed on the fact that the group signed this one of its kind deal in the Middle East to connect the world with Saudi Arabia and support air routes between the main airports in which the group operates.
The deal with Lilium will provide diverse solutions and new air routes to connect the pilgrims to Mecca during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. The jets will also enable Saudi Arabia visitors to enjoy easy and quick to access to sports events, entertainment events, and touristic sites.
This deal will enhance the efforts towards The Saudi Vision 2030 and will support sustainability and environmental preservation, as electric aircrafts reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
To conclude, the agreement signed by Saudia Group and Lilium is set to provide effective solution for transportation in the kingdom, reduce traffic congestion, save time, provide smooth and luxurious travel experience for tourists, and will also contribute highly to enhancing tourism and business sectors in Saudi Arabia.
