Germany-based air taxi developer Lilium has received a significant order from state-owned Saudi Arabian airline Saudia, a source familiar with the deal told Reuters on Wednesday.
The source indicated that Saudia had signed a framework agreement to purchase 100 Lilium jets around 18 months ago. The airline has invited reporters to an event at Lilium’s headquarters near Munich on July 18, where it plans to provide details on upcoming agreements.
While Lilium declined to comment specifically on the Saudia deal, the company confirmed the event and mentioned that reporters would witness an “important contract signing.”
This order would mark one of the largest for Lilium, which has announced 780 firm orders and letters of intent to date, including the agreement with Saudia. The company relies on advance payments from customers to finalize the development of its flying taxis. Lilium has scheduled its first manned flight for the end of the year.
