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Sustainability and Speed: Saudia to operate flying taxis for future Hajj seasons
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8 months agoon
In an unprecedented development, Saudia – the national airline of the Kingdom – is set to launch flying taxis to transport Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Jeddah to hotels in Makkah, the state news agency SPA reported on Saturday.
Last year, the Kingdom’s Minister of Transport said air taxes are expected to be tested in Hajj in the coming years. The technologically-advanced entities are set to “run very soon” but not this year, officials informed The National.
Emissions-free aviation for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims
In 2023, NEOM and Volocopter revealed they had successfully run a series of flying taxi test flights in the country’s futuristic city. The eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft is reported to be the same one to be used to transport the pilgrims.
President of the Saudi general authority of civil aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, called the successful test flight “a milestone in the Saudi aviation sector” as the industry employs emerging technologies to further contribute to the nation’s GDP and create more jobs.
Last year, almost 2 million Hajj pilgrims entered the Kingdom, representing a return to pre-COVID levels, and the number of Umrah pilgrims also reached a record 13.5 million. More than 750,000 Hajj pilgrims used the Haramain High-Speed Railway during the season.
The director of corporate communications and spokesperson of the Saudia Group, Abdullah Al-Shahrani, said the carrier is making preparations to operate 100 Lilium jets between the Jeddah airport and airstrips in Makkah hotels near the Grand Mosque and other holy places.
Stimulating the sustainability of tourism sector in Saudi
Al-Shahrani noted that the flying taxi can transport four to six passengers, highlighting the aircraft is characterised by a low rate of carbon emissions. The national carrier intends to launch an advanced service to connect a number of destinations via the advanced aircraft.
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In addition, he also said the electric aircraft features a unique cabin that offers several options for seat arrangement and is characterised by spacious interiors that meet the requirements of elite guests looking for the finest experiences.
Sara is your reliable guide for the Gulf region's intricate developments. She is a part of The Gulf Independent's dedicated and dynamic team, digging deep into stories to give you a thorough update, going beyond the headlines. Interest: Sara has a keen interest in exploring unexplored events. She has an affinity for investigative journalism and showcasing essential stories in a unique light. Her favourite topics include geopolitics, human rights, business, migrants and other important categories. Education and Experience: Sara's affinity for news grew manifold as she received her degree in Media Studies from the Bayan College in Oman. Now, she lets her curiosity and years of experience take the front seat as she embarks on a mission to highlight the most relevant and important events.
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