Saudi Arabian Airlines unveiled plans to operate flying taxis to carry Hajj pilgrims

Plans to provide flying taxis to transport Hajj travellers between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and lodgings in Makkah were revealed by Saudi Arabian Airlines. In order to provide the service, Saudia plans to purchase about 100 aircraft.

As a new means of transportation during the Hajj season, the Saudi national carrier is getting ready to utilise air taxis, according to Abdullah Al-Shahrani, director of corporate communications and spokesperson for the Saudia Group.

He stated that the German electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) Lilium planes have been hired by the Saudia Group to be used as air taxis between the Jeddah airport and airstrips in Makkah hotels close to the Grand Mosque and other sacred sites. The electric aircraft Lilium is among the first aeroplanes powered solely by electricity. Al-Shahrani pointed out that four to six people can ride in a flying taxi.

In addition to emphasising that this is a unique service for its visitors, he stated that Saudi Airlines intends to launch an advanced service to connect a number of travel destinations via this advanced electric aircraft and will support it with air routes between the main airports from where Saudia operates through the purchase of nearly 100 aircraft.

According to him, the aircraft also has a distinctive interior with many seat configuration possibilities and roomy areas that cater to affluent travellers seeking the best travel experiences.

Al-Shahrani claims that Saudi Airlines would help Lilium by granting the required regulatory licences for Lilium to fly this kind of aircraft in the Kingdom. He continued that with emissions-free aviation, this initiative will significantly stimulate the sustainability of the tourism sector in the Kingdom, making it an important step in the framework of efforts to improve the air transport sector in the Kingdom. The air taxis are small, on-demand commercial aircraft that fly short distances.