Saudia has started a bold journey toward zero-carbon commercial flights. The Group unveiled its promising electric jet, developed by German manufacturer Lilium.
Saudia has bought an initial sale of 50 Lilium jets for at least $7 million each. Currently, Lilium announced that both companies were looking beyond this initial sale with an option to buy an additional 50.
Wild Goal
By 2035, Lilium has set a wild goal to launch a 50 to 80-seat electric aircraft capable of flying 1,000 kilometre, and a 100-seater with a 2,000 kilometre range by 2045. Thus, the insights indicate that 50% of all [air] passengers globally can be electrified.
“It all depends on the battery technology. Right now, the batteries are good enough for the smaller airplanes, but batteries are improving by six to seven percent a year,” Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and chief engineer for innovation at Lilium, said.
Wiegand explained that batteries have been underrated in the last 20-30 years because people used to evaluate them based on what they do today without taking into consideration the fact that they Improve all the time.
Global Logistics Forum
The Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh marked the first display of the jet. Saudia officials emphasized that the first plane will come into service in 2026. Others will follow from the production line in Munich.
In addition to Lilium, there are seven other major manufacturers of these cutting-edge electric cars generally known as air taxis or flying cars.
The futuristic city of NEOM is currently using another brand known as Volocopter which resembles a helicopter.
Outstanding Features
Interestingly, Lilium jet uses vertical take-off and landing but without rotors. Thus, it consumes a lot of battery usage. However, it allows for quick boarding and disembarking at urban helipads without the need for any runways.
The Co-founder stressed that the jet is cheaper to operate than conventional planes.
Moreover, the jet is less noisy as it boasts battery packs located on the wings instead of fuel tanks.
Distinguished Services
The jet comes in two versions: a luxury four-seater and a six-seater version, providing regular flights from Jeddah and Riyadh to surrounding tourist and pilgrimage sites within a 175km radius.
“Saudia is very excited. Of course, it wants to operate the first product now but there is a great opportunity for all of us together to become leaders in electric aviation,” Wiegand said.
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