Saudi Arabia to Test Drones and Flying Taxis for Hajj 2024
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport, Saleh bin Naseer Al-Jasser has confirmed the testing of flying taxis during the Hajj season 2024.
These flying taxis will help in the smooth transportation of Hajj pilgrims.
According to reports, the Minister is deeply committed to modernizing the Hajj pilgrimage and improving the travel experience for the billions of Muslims journeying to the Holy City of Makkah for the pilgrimage.
The collaboration between Saudi authorities and Volocopter has resulted in the introduction of Flying Taxis. These electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft will serve as taxis, shuttling pilgrims from Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz Airport to their accommodations in Makkah. Additionally, they can be utilized as emergency response vehicles.
The introduction of air taxis has been met with enthusiasm from Muslims. Unlike traditional helicopters, these aircraft offer a more cost-effective and sustainable solution. With a record 13.5 million Umrah pilgrims last year and similar expectations for Hajj 2024, the need for efficient transportation is paramount.
The implementation of flying taxis has the potential to revolutionize pilgrim transportation, promising a smoother pilgrimage experience amid the increasing number of visitors each year.
While the current focus is on pilgrims, the utilization of air taxis in the tourism sector could enhance sustainability efforts. The debut of air taxis for Hajj 2024 marks a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia’s transportation industry. If successfully integrated, these eVTOLs will not only offer a greener alternative but also ensure a more seamless pilgrimage experience.
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