The self-driving flying taxi was officially launched at the Holy Sites on Wednesday by Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). During this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the first-ever electric air taxi service will be used in an experimental capacity to transport pilgrims between the Holy Sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat.
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 other pertinent authority representatives attended the launching event. A small commercial aircraft known as an air taxi operates brief flights based on demand. One of the first aircraft to run exclusively on electricity is the electric plane Lilium.
GACA Chief Al-Duailej discussed the use of air taxis for this year’s Hajj, stating that the primary purposes of these unmanned aircraft during the Hajj season will be emergency services and the transportation of supplies and goods intended for the Hajj pilgrims at the Holy Sites. “One of the roadmap’s most significant projects to enable advanced air mobility is being activated today, since its modes—including air taxi—are characterized by a reduction in passenger travel times in busy locations, particularly in emergency situations,” he stated.
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