Saudi Arabian airline Saudia has placed a significant order for 100 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles from the German air taxi firm Lilium. This move marks a major step towards integrating flying taxis into mainstream transportation, with the deal set to be finalized during an upcoming event at Lilium’s headquarters near Munich on July 18. With electric motors powering multiple propellers for lift and thrust, these eVTOLs represent a leap forward in intercity travel technology, supported by growing investor interest and technological advancements in recent years.
The state-owned Saudi airline Saudia has awarded a significant order to the air taxi company Lilium, as reported by Reuters, citing sources.
Ahead of a press conference at the company’s headquarters near Munich on July 18, Saudia has agreed to buy 100 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles from the German air taxi company reports Reuters.
Here’s what else the report says:
The customer had signed a framework deal to buy 100 Lilium jets some 18 months ago and has invited reporters to an event which it said will give insight into Saudia’s forthcoming deals at Lilium headquarters near Munich on July 18.
The source said the aim was to convert the deal into a concrete order for vertical take-off electric air taxis.
It’s well-known that flying cars are science fiction; consider the animated sitcom “The Jetsons” from the 1970s. However, technical progress has accelerated since venture capitalists poured billions of dollars into the eVTOL field, raising the likelihood that these vehicles will revolutionize intercity travel later this decade.
The Lilium eVTOL is propelled by several tiny propellers that are powered by electric motors. These propellers produce thrust during cruise and lift during takeoff and landing.
According to Reuters, the corporation currently has 780 orders and letters of intent, not counting the agreements with Saudi Arabia.
Just this month, GreatGameIndia reported that starting from July 7, 2024, all new cars sold in Europe must include Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems, which automatically limit vehicle speeds to match legal limits using GPS and cameras.
