EHang has successfully conducted its first autonomous air taxi trial in Mecca, setting the stage for deployment in the coming years and transforming Hajj transportation for pilgrims.

Founder, CEO and chairman Huazhi Hu says: “This debut flight marks a significant milestone in EHang's ongoing internationalisation and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAM reform, showcasing the potential of our pilotless eVTOL products and solutions for widespread adoption in the Middle Eastern market. Looking ahead, with the strong support of GACA and in partnership with Front End, we will work together to establish a benchmark for regular AAM operations in Saudi Arabia, driving progress in both regional and the global AAM markets.”

The trial featured an EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft and was conducted in a low-risk area with protected airspace. It was led by the country's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj, the Ministry of Interior and Front End, a Saudi-owned company that provides advanced products and solutions to the energy, industrial, maritime and logistics sectors.

His Excellency Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, says: "This groundbreaking trial is a pivotal step towards a faster, more efficient and sustainable Hajj travel. Saudi Arabia is leveraging pioneering technologies to empower pilgrims with a seamless and sustainable pilgrimage experience."

The trial provides invaluable insights and technical data to support GACA's development of its AAM Roadmap, including a robust regulatory framework tailored to provide safe and sustainable air transport solutions for Hajj pilgrims. By significantly reducing travel and delivery times, air taxis can accelerate the mobility of pilgrims and goods and improve emergency medical services during Hajj. AAM solutions are projected to support tens of thousands of pilgrims and generate tens of millions in revenue by 2030.

His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of GACA, says: "This air taxi trial marks a major advancement in integrating advanced air mobility solutions into Saudi Arabia's aviation landscape. GACA is committed to enabling new safe and sustainable forms of air transport, elevating travel for pilgrims and passengers across Saudi Arabia. This trial acts as a proof of concept for multiple use cases and contributes to the advancement of mobility solutions across the Kingdom."

Majid Alghaslan, CEO of Front End, adds: "Front End is paving the way to a new era in smart mobility solutions, potentially revolutionising Hajj transportation. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, our purpose is to foster a 'Connected Kingdom', serving as a gateway for our partners to access growth opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. This achievement stands as a testament to the power of government-private partnerships in accelerating new technology adoption. Partnering with EHang made this pioneering solution a reality."

Saudi Arabia has invested hundreds of millions into AAM solutions to scale the sector, as the Saudi Aviation Strategy (SAS) transforms the Kingdom into the Middle East's leading aviation hub by 2030. The strategy is unlocking more than $100 billion of investment, with passenger numbers growing by 26 per cent in 2023 to 112 million.