Saudia Arabian Airlines “to Operate Flying Taxis for Ferrying Pilgrims Between Jeddah and Makkah”
Saudi Arabian Airlines announced this week, plans to operate flying taxis to ferry Hajj pilgrims between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Makkah, located close to the Grand Mosque and other holy places, reports saudigazette.com. The National Carrier is making preparations to use air taxis as a new mode of transportation during the Hajj season, according to Abdullah Al-Shahrani, director of corporate communications and spokesman of the Saudia Group.
A major recipient will be Lilium. Last October, the Saudi company contracted the German-based manufacturer, to purchase 100 Lilium eVTOL jets.
Al-Shahrani commented, “After completing the necessary arrangements, these planes will fly with the guests of God during Hajj and Umrah seasons. The Lilium aircraft is characterised by a low rate of carbon emissions and is an environmentally friendly aircraft, which makes it one of the possibilities for sustaining air travel and shortening the time of flights, as it covers a maximum distance of 250 km.”
He continued, “Through purchasing nearly 100 aircraft, Saudi Airlines intends to connect a number of travel destinations via this advanced form of electric aircraft, and will support it with air routes between the main airports from where Saudia operates.”
Al-Shahrani explained the aircraft features a unique and flexible cabin that offers several options for seat arrangement and is characterised by spacious spaces that meet the needs of elite guests looking for the finest travel experience. Saudi Airlines will work to support Lilium by providing all the necessary regulatory approvals to operate this type of aircraft in the Saudi Arabia market.
He remarked, “In the framework of efforts to improve the air transport sector in the Kingdom, this initiative will contribute significantly to stimulating the sustainability of the tourism sector.”
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(News Source: https://saudigazette.com.sa)
(Top image: Lilium)