Kingdom of Saudi Arabia successfully conducts first Air Taxi trial in Mecca for transporting hajj pilgrims...READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Trial sets stage for deployment in the coming years and transforming Hajj transportation for pilgrims.
The initiative is set to redefine the Hajj experience by enhancing mobility and reducing congestion.
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has successfully conducted its first air taxi trial in Mecca, setting the stage for deployment in the coming years and transforming Hajj transportation for pilgrims.
The trial was led by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj, the Ministry of Interior, and Front End Limited Company.
Conducted in a low-risk area with protected airspace, the air taxi initiative is set to redefine the Hajj experience by enhancing mobility, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainability
The trial will provide invaluable insights and technical data to support GACA’s development of an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Roadmap, including a robust regulatory framework tailored to provide safe and sustainable air transport solutions for Hajj pilgrims.
His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, emphasized the trial’s impact:
“This groundbreaking trial is a pivotal step towards a faster, more efficient, and sustainable Hajj travel. Saudi Arabia is leveraging pioneering technologies to empower pilgrims with a seamless and sustainable pilgrimage experience.”
By significantly reducing travel and delivery times, air taxi like the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft used in the trial can accelerate the mobility of pilgrims and goods and improve emergency medical services during Hajj. AAM solutions are projected to support tens of thousands of pilgrims and generate tens of millions in revenue by 2030.
His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA, highlighted the trial’s significance:
“This Air Taxi Trial marks a major advancement in integrating Advanced Air Mobility solutions into Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape.
“GACA is committed to enabling new safe and sustainable forms of air transport, elevating travel for pilgrims and passengers across Saudi Arabia. This trial acts as a proof of concept for multiple use cases and contributes to the advancement of mobility solutions across the Kingdom.”
