Sustainability and Speed: Saudia to operate flying taxis for future Hajj seasons

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.