Lilium and Saudia Group have announced the conversion of their 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to a firm order for 50 Lilium Jet eVTOLs with options on a further 50. The agreement defines a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, as well as a timeline of future deliveries, and aircraft performance guarantees as well as spares, maintenance, and repair provisions. In addition, the parties intend to sign a comprehensive “Lilium POWER-ON” agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services. Commenting on the deal H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group said: “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 recognise 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”.
Delivery of the first aircraft to Saudia Group is expected in 2026.
Lilium reaffirm 2026 service entry
In addition to the Saudia announcement Lilium has also confirmed its development schedule which calls for customer deliveries in 2026. The company says the timetable is based on a recent programme review that considered the testing and validation requirements needed prior to first manned flight, which is now scheduled for early 2025, and the readiness of its support organisation and training devices for its customers.
MSN 1 & 2 are under construction at Lililum’s Gauting facility. MSN 2 will be the first flight article. Images: Lilium
Lilium is currently building the first two aircraft at its production facility in Gauting, south of Munich, with MSN 1 used initially for ground testing which they expect to start in the next few weeks. MSN 2 is now slated to be the aircraft that will perform the first manned flight early in 2025.
The company says the change from the previously announced schedule comes as the result of supply chain issues but will have no impact on the programme’s overall timeline or cost.
The first two aircraft will be joined in the test programme by MSN3 during 2025.
