Saudia Airlines is set to transform Hajj travel by introducing Flying Taxis for transporting pilgrims between Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport and Makkah hotels during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Saudia Airlines has made a significant commitment to acquire 100 Lilium aircraft, which are electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft manufacturers in Germany. These aircraft provide a low carbon emission alternative and can cover 250 km while accommodating four to six passengers.
Innovative Service
Introducing this innovative service is targeted at meeting the travel preferences of discerning guests seeking premium travel experiences. Saudia Airlines’ ambitious initiative to include Flying Taxis in their service is a significant step towards futuristic air travel. The national carrier plans to procure about 100 aircraft for this service, specifically focusing on the Hajj season.
Abdullah Al-Shahrani, Director of Corporate Communications and spokesperson of the Saudia Group, shed light on this groundbreaking plan. He said the airline has signed a contract to acquire 100 Lilium jets.
These German-manufactured electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will shuttle between Jeddah airport and various airstrips in Makkah hotels close to the Grand Mosque and other sacred places.
“The electric plane Lilium is one of the first aircraft that operates entirely on electric power. After completing the necessary arrangements, these planes will fly with the guests of God during Hajj and Umrah seasons from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to the airstrips in hotels near the Grand Mosque in Makkah,” Al-Shahrani stated.
The Lilium aircraft, a type of eVTOL, is characterized by its low carbon emissions, making it an eco-friendly option for air travel. This aircraft can carry four to six passengers and cover a maximum distance of 250 km. With the acquisition of nearly 100 such aircraft, Saudia Airlines aims to launch a futuristic service to connect various travel destinations.
This service will be facilitated by advanced electric aircraft, backed by air routes between the primary airports operated by Saudia. As Al-Shahrani emphasized, this service is specially designed for its guests who want to enjoy the finest travel experiences.
