Air Taxis Make Flight Debut In Saudi Arabia

The world’s first licensed autonomous air taxi has made its flight debut in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca.

On June 12, EH216-S, the air taxi model manufactured by air mobility company EHang Holdings, took flight, transporting two passengers.

The EH216-S is a pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with special approval from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The EH216-S has a maximum cargo capacity of 220 kilograms.

It can fly at a maximum speed of up to 130 kilometers per hour, with a maximum reach of 35 kilometers.
The aircraft measures 1.85 meters high by 5.63 meters wide, made for use within urban areas.

About air taxi manufacturer, EHang

Based on EHang’s website, it is an “urban air mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company” specializing in unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) systems and solutions.

This includes passenger transportation and logistics, smart city management, and aerial media solutions.
EHang Holdings Limited is based in Guangzhou, China’s industrial and commercial hub.

EHang secured approval for the aircraft in April 2024.

Having partnered with Saudi-owned investment and development company Front End, EHang is now trying to obtain approval for the air taxi EH216-S to be sold in the Saudi market.

Said Huazhi Hu, Founder, CEO and Chairman of EHang, “This debut flight of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in EHang’s ongoing internationalisation and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] reform, showcasing the potential of our pilotless eVTOL products and solutions for widespread adoption in the Middle Eastern market.”

A major aviation milestone

The air taxi project is part of Saudi Arabia’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) program, which oversees autonomous flying taxis like the EH216-S.

Its many uses include carrying medical equipment, providing emergency travel, transporting pilgrims between holy sites, as well as cargo or logistical transport.

“This flight marks a major advancement in integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape,” noted GACA President, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej.

“We are committed to the highest safety standards and its seamless integration into existing air traffic systems,” he added.

“This flight also acts as a proof of concept for multiple use cases and contributes to various AAM roadmap initiatives.”

“We appreciate the instrumental support of Front End and EHang to mark this historic milestone for Saudi Arabia.”

Other air taxis on the horizon

In January 2024, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) announced that it plans to operate flying taxis to transport Hajj and Umrah pilgrims between the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Mecca.

According to a Saudia representative, the national airline plans on purchasing 100 all-electric Lilium Jets, a German eVTOL.

Unlike the EH216-S, these jets can transport four to six passengers and could shorten the time of flights, covering a maximum distance of 250 kilometers.

Photo from Facebook/EHangUAM