They are buying 50 electric aircrafts with an option to buy 50 more. This deal is part of the Kingdom’s push for advanced travel options to popular tourist spots. The agreement was signed in Gauting, near Munich, solidifying an earlier understanding from late 2022 for these electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Plans are in place to utilize these jets in various places across the Kingdom

Saudia plans to use these cool new Lilium jets in various places. In Jeddah, they’ll transport passengers between the city and hotels in Mecca, catering to religious tourists. They’ll also be used in the capital and the Red Sea region, helping people get to and from airports and new tourist projects. Saudia might buy more jets depending on how well Lilium supports and maintains them.

The Lilium jet, costing $7 million each, looks more like a small plane than a helicopter, with two sets of wings and electric turbines. Lilium expects to deliver the first jets to Saudia by 2026. Right now, they’re building full-scale test units and hope to start piloted test flights early next year after some delays.

This order from Saudia is the largest firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline, highlighting the growing interest in electric aviation.