Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Airlines is enhancing its domestic transportation system by ordering 100 small planes from German manufacturer Lilium.

Electric aircraft will be used as air taxis within kingdom, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Each aircraft, carrying four to six passengers, offers premium service and does not require traditional runway for landing, with range of up to 200 kilometres on single charge.

However, infrastructure like charging ports and designated passenger areas will be needed.

Reports suggest air taxis might serve pilgrims, offering convenient transportation from airports to hotels in Makkah. Despite potential delays due to licensing and other requirements, introduction of air taxis could happen by 2025.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 13 2024

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