EHang performs first eVTOL test flight in a real-world environment

ARABIA - EHang completed a demonstration flight of its EH216-S electric pilotless vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The flight, which took place in a pre-designated, low-risk section of airspace, provided an opportunity to evaluate the aircraft's capabilities in a real-world environment.

Saudi Arabia aims to become one of the first countries in the world to introduce commercial eVTOL service as part of its Vision 2030 economic transformation strategy.

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) roadmap presented by Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in early 2024 envisages the introduction of the first eVTOL services in various locations across the Kingdom from 2026.

It is in this context that Saudi authorities are considering eVTOL as a way to facilitate mobility and avoid traffic congestion during the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Several Saudi government agencies, including the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj and the Ministry of Interior, collaborated with Front End, which is EHang's partner in Saudi Arabia, in preparation for the test flight.