Saudi Arabia to Introduce Flying Taxis for Hajj Pilgrims
The Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh al-Jasser, has announced that Saudi Arabia will be testing flying taxis and drones during this year’s Hajj season. In an interview with Al-Arabiya, al-Jasser emphasized the growing competition among transportation companies to provide practical solutions in the future.
Al-Jasser stressed the importance for the ministry to understand and integrate these new technologies effectively. Saudi Arabia aims to take the lead in adopting these services, especially for the Hajj season.
Saudi Arabian Airlines has revealed plans to use flying taxis to transport Hajj pilgrims between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Makkah. Saudia intends to acquire around 100 aircraft for this purpose.
Abdullah Al-Shahrani, from the Saudia Group, shared earlier this January that preparations are underway to introduce air taxis during the Hajj season. The Saudia Group has secured a contract to purchase 100 Lilium jets, which are German electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, for transportation between Jeddah airport and designated airstrips near Makkah hotels.
These Lilium jets operate solely on electric power, offering a groundbreaking feature. Once finalized, they will transport pilgrims from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to airstrips near Makkah’s Grand Mosque. Air taxis are small-sized and offer on-demand short flights, promising improved transportation efficiency.
