Electric Jets Could Soon Transport Guests to Makkah & Remote Resorts

Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, has partnered with German aviation firm Lilium to introduce electric jets for luxury resort routes and pilgrim travel to Makkah.

The purchase of 50 electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) jets, with an option to add more, hopes to simplify connections to hard-to-reach destinations, including a direct flight for pilgrims from Jeddah to Makkah. Despite Makkah’s lack of an airport, plans are in place to utilize helipads for the aircraft near major landmarks like the Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower.

These jets, seating four to six passengers and capable of speeds up to 300 km/h, are expected to be operational by 2026. The deal represents the largest eVTOL order by any airline and underscores the growing push towards electric aviation.