Aviation

Saudi Arabia Unveils First Self-Driving Air Taxi for Hajj Pilgrims

In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia has initiated trials of self-driving air taxis during the Hajj of 2024, marking it as the first nation to offer a civil aviation authority-approved service of this kind.

This innovative transportation solution is designed to enhance the travel experience for pilgrims journeying between Makkah and Madinah, today hajj flight time ensuring efficient and timely transportation, especially in emergency situations.

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The Transport General Authority has rolled out these electric air taxis to facilitate not only the transportation of pilgrims but also to provide logistics services for urgent medical transfers and supplies. This initiative is in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote sustainable and AI-driven transportation solutions throughout the Kingdom.

Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, proudly announced that this initiative represents the world’s first civil aviation authority-licensed flying taxi service. He, along with Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and Rumaih Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, attended the launch event, where they witnessed the vertical takeoff of this autonomous vehicle.

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“The inauguration of the air taxi is part of our efforts to adopt future transport technologies and environmentally friendly models utilizing artificial intelligence,” Al-Jasser stated. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to modernize Saudi Arabia’s transport sector through the deployment of air taxi technologies, electric vehicles, and hydrogen trains.

The air taxi will play a crucial role in facilitating transportation across the holy sites, enabling quick transfers for medical emergencies and delivering goods efficiently. This innovative approach aims to enhance the overall Hajj experience, making it more convenient and streamlined for pilgrims.

As part of the broader initiative, the air taxi experience is one of 32 modern technologies being implemented to assist pilgrims during this year’s haj committee of india flight date and time . The plan includes 50 confirmed aircraft with an option for an additional 50, with the first deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. The air taxis will create new air routes to Makkah, making travel easier for pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.

Aviation

Did you know ? Once Boeing 747 carried 1088 passenger in 1991

In 1991, during Operation Solomon, Israel aimed to airlift 14,000 people from Ethiopia within 36 hours. The effort was intense, with a strong focus on evacuating as many individuals as possible from the country.

At the forefront of this operation was the Boeing 747, known as the “Queen of the Skies,” which transported nearly 1,088 passengers.

Due to the urgent circumstances, all passengers were seated on the aircraft floor, despite the Boeing’s typical maximum capacity being around 660 passengers as per manufacturer specifications.

The aircraft was granted special approval to take off under these exceptional conditions.

Amid political tensions and military reforms in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government requested the Jewish community to leave the country, providing them with a limited window for evacuation. In response, the community organized an airlift to facilitate their safe departure.

A fleet of 35 Israeli aircraft, including C-130s from the Israeli Air Force and El Al Boeing 747s, was deployed for the mission. These aircraft flew non-stop, successfully transporting most of the Ethiopian Jewish community to Israel in one of the largest airlift operations in history.