HISTORIC: Saudi Arabia set to launch flying taxis from THIS month, partners with Chinese company to…, trips to start from Rs…

Saudi Arabia is set to introduce air taxis as early as November, partnering with Chinese company Ehang to modernize its transport system. Khobar-based tech firm Front End, along with Ehang and Cluster2 (which manages 22 airports in the kingdom), has signed an initial agreement to roll out pilotless aircraft for both passengers and cargo. “We will begin this November with passenger rides, a historic step, as these aircraft will carry paying customers in the kingdom for the first time,” said Majid Alghaslan, chairman and CEO of Front End, in an interview with The National.

The first model to be launched is the Ehang EH216-S, a two-seater, fully electric air taxi with no pilot on board. The aircraft has already been certified by China’s aviation regulator and is considered safe after extensive testing.

Alongside passenger services, Saudi Arabia will also use the EH216-L logistics version for cargo delivery, public safety, and government needs. Expansion is planned through 2026 and 2027, gradually spreading across the country’s airports to create a nationwide advanced air mobility network.

Front End said it is not just experimenting but actually certifying and flying autonomous air vehicles across the country. “We are laying the groundwork for a new low-altitude economy, supported by smart traffic systems. This will unlock huge economic value and put Saudi Arabia at the front line of advanced mobility technologies worldwide,” said Majid Alghaslan, the company’s chairman and CEO.

The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader plan to expand its aviation sector and make it a global hub, with advanced air mobility being a key pillar of that vision.

Saudi Arabia’s Air Taxi Trials and New Aviation Rules

Saudi Arabia has already taken some big steps toward launching air taxis. In June 2024, the kingdom carried out its first unmanned air taxi trial in Makkah, showing that the technology can safely work even in crowded city areas.

A few months later, in August 2024, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) introduced its Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap. This plan explains how new aircraft, including drones and vertical take-off vehicles, will be tested, certified, and managed within Saudi Arabia’s airspace.

The new MoU with EHang fits directly into this roadmap, moving the country from small-scale trials to real passenger services. EHang also brings global experience, as its autonomous air vehicles have already been approved for use in several other countries, giving it an advantage in adapting the technology for Saudi conditions.

Cost of Flying Taxis and Local Manufacturing Plans

The companies have not yet revealed how much passengers will pay for a ride, but industry estimates suggest that early trips could cost anywhere between USD 200 and USD 400 (Rs. 16,000–Rs. 32,000) per person, depending on the route and demand. Prices are likely to come down once more people start using the service and the system expands.

As for the vehicles themselves, models like the EHang EH216 are valued at around USD 300,000 to USD 450,000 (Rs. 2.5 crore–Rs. 3.7 crore) each. The final cost depends on the design, features, and certification requirements in different markets.