Saudia to buy up to 100 Lilium electric aircraft for domestic network

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has signed an agreement with German electric plane maker Lilium to buy up to 100 of its aircraft for use on Saudia's domestic network, the state carrier's chief executive said on Wednesday.

Saudi CEO Ibrahim Koshy said the planes would be "a premium service" that carry four to six passengers, adding "it shows Saudia's commitment to sustainability because we're talking about 100% electric aircraft and we are the first airline in the MENA region that's introducing this as part of their network."

Certification by regulators is expected in 2025, he said.