Summary
- Lilium to showcase its eVTOL at the Farnborough International Airshow this year.
- The Saudia Group recently placed a huge order for 50 Lilium jets, aiming to revolutionize travel with first & last-leg connections and reduce travel times by 90%.
- Orlando International Airport also partnered with Lilium earlier this year to develop a vertiport hub, catering to millions of visitors and revolutionizing regional travel.
The Farnborough International Airshow (July 22-26) is expected to host several new aircraft deals as well as the unveiling of new products and services. One such event will unveil the full-scale model of Lilium’s eVTOL jet as well as the related infrastructure.
Lilium to unveil full-scale model of its new eVTOL
German aerospace company Lilium will reveal a full-scale model of its new eVTOL at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow. The organization is the first to develop an all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet and will showcase it at EBACE at Stand 2110 in Hall 2.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper | Simple Flying
Those visiting the stand will have the opportunity to get hands-on with an immersive flight simulator experience and explore the Lilium Jet charging infrastructure.
According to Lilium, the eVTOL “combines the convenience of vertical take-off capability with the speed of a jet on intercity regional missions.” It has more than two dozen battery-electric motors within the main wings and has canards’ flaps that tilt downwards to enhance its aerodynamic features.
The aircraft can be configured in various ways for up to six passengers, according to the company website, and its interior includes a separated cockpit. This will allow pilots privacy to minimize distractions.
Photo: Benjamin Cooper | Simple Flying
Big order from Saudia
A few days ago, Saudia placed a massive order to acquire 50 Lilium jets, with the option of purchasing 50 more. Through this, the Saudia Group aims to provide seamless first and last-leg connections at its regional hubs and new point-to-point city connections, such as Jeddah to Makkah, expecting to reduce travel times by up to 90%. The group expects its first jet to arrive in 2026. This comes after Lilium signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2023 with Saudi Arabia for the purchase of 100 eVTOLs.
Photo: Saudia
These aircraft will also feature in the carrier’s plans to support Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, as well as offer access to key sports and entertainment events in Riyadh. Overall, the group aims to unlock new possibilities for exploring hard-to-reach tourist destinations across the Kingdom. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commented,
“The eVTOL jets are revolutionizing guest transportation. Their unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes. Imagine traveling up to 175 kilometers at speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options. This technology also tackles traffic congestion head-on. Business travelers and exhibition attendees will benefit tremendously from the ease and speed of electric aircraft, allowing them to seamlessly attend and participate in events.”
Vertiport hub at Orlando International Airport
There have been several other developments related to Lilium’s eVTOL project. The jets have 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and almost 600 aircraft under MOUs. Earlier this year, the German company partnered with Orlando International Airport to develop its vertiport between the airport and Lake Nona.
Related
eVTOL Jet Firm Lilium To Base Vertiport Hub At Orlando International
Orlando looks to connect the state with a new Vertiport.
The location has been chosen strategically to cater to the population of almost 80 million visitors who visit the area. Lilium will work with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Lake Nona, and the City of Orlando to bring this project to life.