Lilium, Europe’s largest electric aviation company, is pushing the boundaries of sustainable air mobility through its innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) jets. The company has partnered with Saudia Group to bring these advanced jets to the Middle East, marking a significant step forward in regional air mobility and environmental sustainability.
Daniel Wiegand, Chief Engineer Innovation and Future Programs of Lilium, shared insights into this exciting partnership during an exclusive interview, highlighting the vision behind the collaboration and the potential for Lilium’s jets to transform transportation across the region.
Lilium’s vision and innovation
With a range of up to 175 kilometres and the ability to carry up to six passengers, these eVTOL jets are designed for regional shuttle operations, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional aircraft. Wiegand emphasised the advantages of their fully electric approach, “We have an aircraft architecture which is more efficient in forward flight than propeller-based designs, allowing us to fly faster and further with the same energy.”
This efficiency, combined with the flexibility to upgrade battery technology over time, makes Lilium’s aircraft a forward-thinking solution in the evolving aviation landscape. Wiegand explained, “We intend to offer customers like Saudia the ability to continuously improve their aircraft through battery upgrades, ensuring longer ranges and better performance over time.”
Partnership with Saudia Cargo
The partnership with Saudia Group represents a major step for both Lilium and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in terms of supporting Vision 2030’s objectives to transform the nation into a global logistics hub. As Wiegand noted, “Saudia is one of the strongest airlines in the region, and their commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with our goals. Together, we aim to revolutionise regional transport.”
The introduction of Lilium’s all-electric jets will significantly enhance Saudia’s capabilities, enabling faster, more efficient cargo transportation while reducing carbon emissions by 10 million tons annually. This partnership positions Saudia as a leader in sustainable aviation and underlines Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Infrastructure and regulatory support
Bringing electric aviation to the Middle East involves more than just delivering the jets. Infrastructure development and regulatory approvals are key components of the partnership. Lilium is collaborating closely with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to ensure the smooth transfer of European certification to Saudi Arabia, allowing the aircraft to operate within the Kingdom.
“We are working with Saudi and other partners to build the necessary infrastructure, including maintenance and charging facilities,” Wiegand stated. Notably, Lilium’s jets do not require bespoke cooling infrastructure, a major advantage that simplifies the rollout. “All we need is an automotive electric car charger, and you can charge the aircraft in 45 minutes,” Wiegand added.
A sustainable future for Saudi Arabia’s aviation
Lilium’s eVTOL jets align with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of fostering sustainability and innovation. The partnership with Saudia is not just about improving transportation within the Kingdom, but also about showcasing Saudi Arabia’s role as a pioneer in sustainable aviation. Wiegand believes the Kingdom’s commitment to rapid development and innovation makes it an ideal partner. “The region is exciting for us, with its strong economic growth and willingness to be first in the world with new technologies,” he said.
As part of the agreement, Saudia Cargo has committed to acquiring up to 100 of Lilium’s jets, with the first deliveries expected in 2026. These jets will be used to connect major cities in Saudi Arabia, supporting both passenger and cargo transport and playing a crucial role in achieving the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s target of increasing air cargo volume to 4.5 million tons annually.
While Lilium’s aircraft are still undergoing final assembly and testing in Germany, the potential for Saudi Arabia to be one of the first regions to deploy these jets is a real possibility. Wiegand expressed optimism that Saudi Arabia could be among the first to operate the jets, pending regulatory approvals. “I would expect that Saudia and Saudi Arabia are one of the very first customers to operate our jets,” he said.
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The partnership between Lilium and Saudia Cargo marks a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable air mobility. By integrating cutting-edge electric aviation technology with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious logistics and sustainability goals, this collaboration is set to redefine air travel in the region. With the promise of faster, cleaner, and more efficient transport, both companies are paving the way for a greener future in aviation.
