Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia has signed a landmark agreement with German aviation company Lilium to purchase up to 100 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jets, the airline announced on July 18, Argaam reported.

The deal includes a firm order for 50 Lilium Jets, with an option for an additional 50, making it the largest confirmed order for eVTOL aircraft to date. Saudia expects to receive its first jet by 2026, subject to approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

This move comes as part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to diversify its economy and invest in cutting-edge technologies, which is in line with its Vision 2030 plan, which sees the country as a global leader in air travel.

Saudia Group Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar said in a statement, "These electric jets will revolutionise our transportation offerings, potentially saving guests up to 90% of travel time compared to other modes of transport."

The Lilium Jet, capable of accommodating six passengers plus luggage, has a range of up to 175 kilometers and can reach speeds of 250 kilometres per hour.

Saudia Private Aviation (SPA) will operate and manage the initial fleet.

Also, the agreement includes a comprehensive maintenance and support services package, with both parties intending to sign a Lilium POWER ON agreement for ongoing fleet support.

Al-Omar highlighted the jets' potential applications, including business travel, tourism, and facilitating pilgrim transportation to holy sites in Makkah.

He also said the environmental benefits, noting that the electric jets align with sustainability goals in air travel.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Earlier in May, Saudi Arabia's futuristic megacity NEOM announced it would operate a fleet of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, dubbed "green air taxis", as part of its ambition to build a traffic and pollution-free urban landscape, Al Eqtesadieh reported on May 26.

NEOM has been working with German firm Volocopter since 2021 on a joint venture to deploy Volocopter's eVTOL models - the VoloCity for intracity air taxi services, the VoloRegion for intercity flights within NEOM's regions, and the VoloDrone for cargo transport.

Meanwhile, NEOM has also invested in US firm Boom Supersonic via the PIF into electric vehicle maker Lucid. The former is developing a sustainable supersonic airliner capable of crossing the Atlantic in 3.5 hours using alternative fuels, while the latter, which is majority-owned by the Saudi fund, is now producing cars in the country. 

Earlier in April, Saudi Arabia revised its plans for the ambitious $500bn project, a futuristic city being developed in the northwest of the country, due to concerns over financing, Nemnna, a blog covering the developments, reported.