Saudi Arabia to introduce 'electric jet' service to transport pilgrims to Makkah

Saudi Arabia's national airline is set to introduce an electric jet service to transport pilgrims to the Holy city of Makkah and new luxury resorts, AFP reported on Tuesday.

The Kingdom has already purchased electric jets from Munich-based Lilium NV, a German firm facing financial challenges.

“Our strategy is that it will help in bridging the locations and the cities that don’t have an airport or that are maybe hard to go to,” Saudia communications affairs manager Razan Shaker said while talking to AFP.

The aircraft will provide direct travel along the Red Sea coast and transport Muslim pilgrims from Jeddah to Makkah, where there is no airport.

Plans include taking off from Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower Hotel's helipad near the Grand Mosque. 

In July, Saudi Arabia announced the purchase of 50 Lilium electric jets, with plans to buy 50 more.

These jets seat four to six passengers, fly at 175km/h, and feature vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. 

Saudia's order is the largest reported for eVTOL aircraft, according to the publication.

The deal's value remains undisclosed, but Daniel Wiegand, Lilium's chief engineer, mentioned the aircraft typically cost between $7-$9 million.

Saudi Arabia aims to triple annual air traffic to 330 million passengers, which is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 'Vision 2030' reform agenda.