Munich-based in an interview with The National, Lilium's senior vice president of commercial, Sebastien Borel, said the company is exploring markets for its electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
"We are talking to many players in region. Whether or not it lands, it depends on them and us from a production perspective committing to the Middle East," he said. "Europe, the US and Middle East will be our strongest regions, so we will have to balance the offering in each of these regions in a timely manner for (production) slots."
This follows an October agreement between the two companies which Saudia committed to purchasing 100 Lilium aircraft for use within the country. According to Lilium, with the signing of this agreement, Saudia became the first airline in the Middle East and North Africa to introduce a fleet of all-electric aircraft. The planes will transport business-class passengers both directly between destinations and to Saudia's hubs. Lilium is focusing its sales efforts on strategic regions with a strong demand for premium air mobility and a focus on sustainability, including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Florida, southern France, Andalusia, Norway, Benelux, Germany, and northern Italy.
