The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia has unveiled a comprehensive report detailing the roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) development within the Kingdom. This pivotal document sets a clear trajectory for integrating AAM into Saudi Arabia’s broader transportation and logistics framework, directly contributing to the ambitious objectives of Vision 2030.
Advanced Air Mobility is anticipated to revolutionise the way goods and people are transported, employing cutting-edge electric and hybrid-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. These innovations promise not only to enhance the passenger experience through efficiency and reduced travel times but also to significantly contribute to environmental sustainability efforts in line with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2060.
According to HE Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport, Chairman of the Board of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, “The Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Aviation Sector Strategy demonstrate our leadership’s commitment to transforming Saudi Arabia into a global aviation sector leader. Advanced Air Mobility represents a revolution in the way we envision transportation and mobility but also a magnificent opportunity to reshape our lives, economies, and the design of our cities. Advanced Air Mobility will improve safety, enhance passenger experience, empower our tourism sector’s growth, and promote long-term environmental sustainability.”
HE Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of General Authority of Civil Aviation adds: “Advanced Air Mobility is not merely a concept. Advanced Air Mobility represents a paradigm shift in how we move, commute, and ultimately, how we live. Advanced Air Mobility encompasses a range of innovative solutions, from small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) to larger Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft (VTOLs). These technologies promise to provide faster and safer means of moving goods and people, holding the potential to alleviate congestion on our roads and enable more accessible access to remote areas, unlocking many unprecedented economic and societal benefits.”
The roadmap outlined by GACA articulates a phased approach towards AAM deployment. The initial phase focuses on demonstrations and testing in controlled environments, laying the groundwork for the technology’s reliability and safety. Following this, commercial operations are set to commence, gradually expanding in scale and scope as infrastructure and public acceptance grow. The ultimate goal is a wide-scale adoption of AAM, with competitive pricing and an extensive network of routes, transforming urban and regional connectivity.
Already in May 2023, as a result of collaboration of NEOM, Volocopter, and GACA, a first successful flight test of an air taxi eVTOL was conducted in the NEOM region.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic foray into AAM is marked by notable investments and collaborations with industry leaders such as Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Airbus. These partnerships underscore the Kingdom’s proactive stance on leveraging AAM to enhance its aviation sector and tourism offerings.
Key to the AAM initiative’s success will be overcoming challenges related to technology, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and public acceptance. GACA’s report highlights ongoing efforts to address these challenges, including the development of regulations for light and heavy Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations and collaborations with international aviation authorities to harmonise standards.
For the travel & tourism sector, the development of AAM in Saudi Arabia represents a significant opportunity. The technology’s promise of swift, efficient, and unique travel experiences aligns with the desires of discerning travelers looking for luxury and convenience. The GACA report not only underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation and sustainability but also signals the Kingdom’s potential to redefine high-end travel and tourism on a global scale.
If you have further questions about AAM developments in Saudi Arabia: aaminquiries@gaca.gov.sa
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Read also: KSA’S FIRST ELECTRIC AIR TAXI FLIGHT
