Largest order to date

Saudia orders up to 100 air cabs from Lilium

The German air cab developer Lilium has received its largest order to date. The state-owned Saudi Arabian airline Saudia wants to buy up to 100 of the electric "Lilium Jets", the company based in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich announced on Thursday. 

During a visit there, contracts were signed for 50 firm orders and an option for a further 50 aircraft. According to the Saudia Group, the air cabs will be used to transport pilgrims between Mecca and Jeddah, as well as to transport guests to major sporting events in the capital Riyadh and to tourist destinations. The first aircraft is due to be delivered in 2026.

First flight postponed to early 2025
This would make Saudia one of the first customers for the aircraft. On Wednesday, Lilium postponed the manned maiden flight of its vertical take-off aircraft from the end of this year to the beginning of 2025, but is still aiming to hand over the first aircraft to customers in 2026. Saudia had already signed a letter of intent to purchase 100 Lilium jets a year and a half ago.

According to Lilium, it has already received 780 firm orders and letters of intent for the electrically powered air cabs. The young company needs advance payments from customers in order to complete the development of its air cab.