Chinese firm EHang’s EH216-S pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has completed an autonomous air taxi flight in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

With help from Saudi-based enterprise Front End, the flight highlighted the transformative potential of pilotless eVTOL aircraft for the region’s transportation system.

The flight was supported by local authorities including Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Ministry of Transport & Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj, and the Ministry of Interior.

“This flight marks a major advancement in integrating advanced air mobility [AAM] into Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape,” said Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of GACA. “We are committed to the highest safety standards and its seamless integration into existing air traffic systems. This flight also acts as a proof of concept for multiple use cases and contributes to various AAM roadmap initiatives.”

Majid Alghaslan, CEO of Front End, added: “Front End is at the forefront of this trailblazing initiative, paving the way to a new era in smart mobility. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, our goal is to foster a connected kingdom, serving as a gateway for our partners to access growth opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. This achievement stands as a testament to the power of government-private partnerships in accelerating new technology adoption. Partnering with EHang made this a reality.”

Conducted in a low-risk area within protected airspace, the flight should help authorities set the right regulatory environment for deploying pilotless eVTOL aircraft, thereby enhancing mobility, reducing congestion and promoting sustainability.

“These eco-friendly eVTOLs are cost-effective for urban transportation, tackling congestion while aligning perfectly with the kingdom’s goals for a sustainable future,” said Alghaslan. “This advancement underscores Front End’s dedication to national progress and its commitment to shaping a greener, more efficient tomorrow in mobility.”

Huazhi Hu, CEO of EHang, added: “This debut flight of the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in EHang’s ongoing internationalisation and an important step forward in propelling global advanced UAM reform, showcasing the potential of our pilotless eVTOL products for widespread adoption in the Middle Eastern market. Looking ahead, with the strong support of GACA and in partnership with Front End, we will work together to establish a benchmark for regular AAM operations in Saudi Arabia, driving progress in both regional and the global AAM markets.”

Front End (www.frontend.sa) delivers innovations across sectors such as industry, mining, energy and logistics.

EHang (www.ehang.com) is an urban air mobility (UAM) technology company providing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), air mobility including passenger transportation and logistics, smart city management, and aerial media. Its EH216-S has obtained type certificate, production certificate and standard airworthiness certificate for passenger-carrying pilotless eVTOL aircraft issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

• EHang has signed a cooperation agreement with the government of Wencheng County, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, to develop jointly UAM and a supporting public service ecosystem for the low-altitude economy. Wencheng County Transportation Development Group has agreed to buy 30 EH216-Ss and has already paid half of the total contract price with the remainder payable upon delivery. Additionally, it plans to purchase an additional 270 EH216-Ss by the end of 2026 and has paid a non-refundable deposit.