Minister of Transport and Logistics, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, inaugurated the self-driving flying taxi at the Holy Sites on Wednesday. This electric air taxi service, the first of its kind globally, will be used experimentally to transport pilgrims between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat during this year's Hajj pilgrimage.
The launch ceremony saw the presence of GACA President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Director of Public Security Lt. Gen. Muhammad Al-Bassami, and several representatives from relevant authorities. The electric plane, Lilium, is one of the first aircraft to operate entirely on electric power and functions as a small commercial aircraft for short flights on demand.
GACA Chief Al-Duailej stated that these unmanned aircraft will primarily be used for emergency services, transporting goods, and medical supplies during this year's Hajj season. "Today we are witnessing the activation of one of the most important initiatives of the roadmap to enable advanced air mobility," he said, highlighting the reduction in travel time within crowded areas, especially during emergencies.
Licensed by GACA, the electric air taxi aims to facilitate the movement of pilgrims, transport medical equipment, and provide logistical services. In his speech, Al-Jasser emphasized that the air taxi initiative aligns with the transportation and logistics system's commitment to adopting future transportation technologies, artificial intelligence applications, and sustainable models, supporting the goals of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services under Vision 2030.
The ministry is dedicated to enhancing smart mobility, developing legislation, and creating experimental environments to expand modern transportation technologies. Al-Jasser praised the support from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for these initiatives.
Al-Duailej reiterated the civil aviation sector's dedication to improving services for Hajj pilgrims, ensuring integration with other government efforts to facilitate a comfortable pilgrimage experience. The air taxi is among 32 modern technologies implemented for this year's Hajj, showcasing the system's commitment to adopting and harnessing advanced technologies for optimal pilgrim services.
Last month, Minister Al-Jasser announced that pilgrims would benefit from flying taxis and drones during Hajj, marking a significant advancement in transportation. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) also revealed plans to operate flying taxis in the future, ferrying Hajj pilgrims between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Mecca. The national carrier intends to purchase around 100 Lilium jets for this service.
In January, Abdullah Al-Shahrani, spokesperson for the Saudia Group, announced preparations to use air taxis during Hajj. The Saudia Group has contracted the purchase of 100 Lilium jets, German electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, to shuttle between Jeddah airport and Makkah hotels near the Grand Mosque and other holy sites.
