As part of Saudi Arabia’s initiative to integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into its transportation network, the EH216-S, the world’s first licensed autonomous air taxi developed by EHang Holdings, successfully conducted its maiden flight on June 12 in Mecca.

The pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle developed by EHang Holdings, in collaboration with Saudi-based Front End, ferried Hajj pilgrims and facilitated their drop-off. This air taxi, with a maximum capacity of 220 kilograms, is designed to transport two passengers simultaneously.

ما أهمية التجربة التشغيلية لـ #التاكسي_الجوي، وكيف يساهم في خدمة ضيوف الرحمن؟
📹 | تعرّف على المزيد.#يسر_وطمأنينة #خدمتكم_شرف pic.twitter.com/vgx6LB9toN

— هيئة الطيران المدني (@ksagaca) June 12, 2024

“This debut flight of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in EHang’s ongoing internationalization and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAV reform,” said Huazhi Hu, founder, CEO, and Chairman of EHang.

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), highlighted that the trial in Mecca represents a significant step forward in integrating Advanced Air Mobility solutions into Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. This follows Abu Dhabi’s earlier demonstrations of EHang’s EH216-S and other models tailored for firefighting and aerial logistics.

Majid Alghaslan, chairman and CEO of Front End, emphasized, “Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, our goal is to foster a ‘Connected Kingdom,’ serving as a gateway for our partners to access growth opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.”