Lilium NV is on the verge of selling 100 electric flying taxis to Saudi Arabia’s state-owned airline, formalizing a preliminary agreement established in late 2022.
This significant deal, expected to be announced at an event at Lilium’s headquarters near Munich later this month, will see Saudi Arabia becoming a key customer for the innovative air mobility solution.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the announcement will highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advanced transportation technologies.
Lilium’s spokesperson declined to comment on the potential order, and Saudi officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
Lilium’s flying taxi, featuring small ducted fans and pairs of wings, is expected to take to the skies by 2026.
The introduction of these air taxis is part of a broader global trend to reduce traffic congestion through advanced air mobility solutions.
Companies like China’s EHang and Germany’s Volocopter have successfully launched passenger drones in recent years.
In July 2019, Spanish technology firm Tecnalia unveiled its prototype for a single-passenger drone taxi.
Tecnalia’s air taxi can carry a payload of up to 150 kg, fly at altitudes between 100 and 300 meters, and cover a distance of 15 kilometers in 15 minutes.
This strategic move by Saudi Arabia aligns with the nation’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to modernize its infrastructure and diversify its economy through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
The integration of electric air taxis will not only revolutionize urban transportation in the kingdom but also position it as a leader in the burgeoning field of air mobility.
