©(FADEL SENNA/AFP)
German electric air cab developer Lilium announced, on Thursday, a landmark order for up to 100 “Lilium Jets” from Saudi state-owned airline Saudia.
Contracts for 50 firm orders and an option for a further 50 machines were signed at a ceremony at Lilium's headquarters in Gauting, near Munich.
The Saudia Group intends to use these air cabs to transport pilgrims between Mecca and Jeddah, as well as guests to major sporting events in the capital Riyadh and to tourist destinations, says the Bavarian company.
The first machine is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
“The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large and exciting market for high-speed electric vehicles,” commented Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe in a statement.
Lilium says it now has an order book of 780 electric air cabs, comprising 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options and around 600 aircraft under memorandum of understanding.
Founded in 2015, Lilium started production of its electric jets, which can carry up to six people, at the end of 2023. A first “manned” flight is planned for early 2025, according to the company.
Competitor Volocopter, a German company, plans to take advantage of the showcase offered by the Paris Olympic Games (July 26 - August 11) to fly its aircraft over the French capital, following the government's approval, against which Paris City Hall will lodge an appeal for suspension.
With AFP
Contracts for 50 firm orders and an option for a further 50 machines were signed at a ceremony at Lilium's headquarters in Gauting, near Munich.
The Saudia Group intends to use these air cabs to transport pilgrims between Mecca and Jeddah, as well as guests to major sporting events in the capital Riyadh and to tourist destinations, says the Bavarian company.
The first machine is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
“The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large and exciting market for high-speed electric vehicles,” commented Lilium CEO Klaus Roewe in a statement.
Lilium says it now has an order book of 780 electric air cabs, comprising 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options and around 600 aircraft under memorandum of understanding.
Founded in 2015, Lilium started production of its electric jets, which can carry up to six people, at the end of 2023. A first “manned” flight is planned for early 2025, according to the company.
Competitor Volocopter, a German company, plans to take advantage of the showcase offered by the Paris Olympic Games (July 26 - August 11) to fly its aircraft over the French capital, following the government's approval, against which Paris City Hall will lodge an appeal for suspension.
With AFP
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