JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia Airlines is upgrading its domestic transport system by ordering 100 small aircraft from German manufacturer Lilium.
The electric planes will be used as air taxis in the kingdom, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2060.
Each aircraft carrying four to six passengers offers premium services and does not require a traditional runway to land with a range of up to 200 kilometers per charge.
However, infrastructure such as charging ports and dedicated passenger spaces will be needed.
Reports suggest that air taxis could serve pilgrims, offering convenient transportation from airports to hotels in Mecca.
Despite potential delays due to licencing and other requirements, the introduction of air taxis could happen by 2025.
