Saudi Arabia to Launch Electric Passenger Drones by Year-End

6 months ago Editor

Front End, in collaboration with EHang, is set to introduce electric passenger drones in Saudi Arabia by the end of this year, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative to advance sustainable urban mobility.

Saudi Arabia is set to see the launch of electric passenger drones by the end of this year, as Alkhobar-based company Front End partners with Chinese eVTOL developer EHang to bring this innovative service to the Kingdom.

Majid Al-Ghaslan, Front End’s CEO and chairman, announced the news at the Future Aviation Forum, highlighting ongoing discussions with the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Transport to integrate these drones into the Kingdom’s urban traffic management systems. “We are pushing the boundaries of air and urban traffic,” Al-Ghaslan stated.

Front End aims to roll out pilot programs for electric passenger flights in Riyadh and other major cities by year-end. These electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones, which can carry two passengers for up to 30 minutes, are already in use in countries like China, Indonesia, and Japan.

Al-Ghaslan emphasized the feasibility of deploying such drones in Saudi Arabia, noting that they can also be used for logistics purposes. The autonomous drones will leverage advanced AI technologies to ensure safe and efficient operations.

This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which has spurred transformative projects across various sectors. Front End also plans to launch an electric vehicle ride-hailing service in partnership with Indian company Blue Smart, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

Majid Al-Ghaslan highlighted the strategic significance of launching electric passenger drones, aiming to reduce urban congestion and promote eco-friendly transport in Saudi Arabia. “We envision a future where aerial mobility integrates with ground transportation for a sustainable urban network,” he stated, anticipating strong interest from global stakeholders.

Additionally, Front End’s partnership with Blue Smart to launch an electric vehicle ride-hailing service will further revolutionize urban mobility. This fleet of electric cars will reduce carbon emissions and support sustainability goals, starting in major cities and expanding nationwide. “Our collaboration with Blue Smart reaffirms our commitment to innovation and sustainability in Saudi Arabia’s transport sector,” Al-Ghaslan concluded.