Saudi Arabia launches self-driving aerial taxi for Hajj pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has launched the world's first self-driving air taxi service to conveniently transport pilgrims between holy sites during Hajj season this year. 

According to Arab media, the electric flying taxi will serve multiple purposes during the sacred pilgrimage. It will transport pilgrims between holy sites, facilitate swift medical response and transfer of supplies in emergencies, and assist with the delivery of goods.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said that the flying taxi is the first taxi in the world that has been licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Al-Jasser witnessed the vertical take-off of the autonomous vehicle during a launch event attended by the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Abdulaziz Al-Duailej. 

Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Rumaih Al-Rumaih and representatives of related institutions were also present on the occasion.

The Transport Minister said that the launch of the air taxi was part of efforts to deploy the latest transport technologies of the future and adopt innovative models of environment-friendly transport that use artificial intelligence applications.

GACA's Al-Duailej hailed the flying taxi as one of the most important initiatives in the modern air mobility roadmap. This roadmap aims to reduce travel times for passengers in congested areas, particularly during emergencies. 

The air taxi is among the 32 advanced technologies that are being used to serve pilgrims during this year's Hajj.

In line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, Saudi Arabia is aiming to modernise its transport sector by introducing air taxi technologies, electric cars, and hydrogen trains.