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, the trial featured an EHang EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft. It was conducted in a low-risk area with protected airspace.
“This groundbreaking trial is a pivotal step towards faster, more efficient, and more sustainable Hajj travel. Saudi Arabia is leveraging pioneering technologies to empower pilgrims with a seamless and sustainable pilgrimage experience,” said His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services.
The trial provides 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 Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of GACA, said of the initiative: “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.”
Saudi Arabia has invested hundreds of millions into AAM solutions to scale the sector, as the Saudi Aviation Strategy (SAS) transforms the Kingdom into the Middle East’s leading aviation hub by 2030. The strategy is unlocking more than $100bn of investment, with passenger numbers predicted to grow by 26% in 2023 to 112 million.
