Prime Highlights:
FlyNow, a developer of electric aviation solutions, plans to roll out modular electric helicopters for transporting goods and passengers. This innovation is aimed at addressing traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise.
FlyNow has created a regulatory sandbox to test vehicles, air traffic management systems, and operational protocols, with plans to expand into urban passenger transport after successful cargo trials.
Key Background:
Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its vision for the future of transportation by embracing cutting-edge technologies such as flying taxis and autonomous vehicles. At the LEAP conference in Riyadh, experts from various sectors emphasized the transformative potential of these innovations in reshaping mobility within the Kingdom.
One of the key players, FlyNow, is set to roll out a modular electric helicopter system designed to transport both goods and passengers. Yvonne Winter, the co-founder and COO of FlyNow, underscored the economic benefits of improved mobility, highlighting its role in addressing critical issues such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise. She described this emerging field as the “low-altitude economy” and emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks for its success. In this regard, FlyNow has established a regulatory sandbox to test various vehicles, air traffic management systems, and operational protocols, with plans to expand into urban passenger transport after successful cargo trials.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services is also heavily invested in the future of mobility. Ayman Mesfer, the General Manager of the Ministry’s Intelligence and Future Sector, outlined the ministry’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies across all transportation modes. This includes the creation of an incubator to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) developing mobility solutions. Additionally, the ministry has partnered with multiple entities, including King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, to create a “living lab” to test technologies across aviation, land, maritime, and railway sectors.
Another significant initiative is the Future Mobility Program, which involves 12 stakeholders from both public and private sectors. The program aims to identify gaps in the Kingdom’s mobility infrastructure and devise solutions, with a special focus on autonomous vehicle policies. As part of its ongoing efforts, Saudi Arabia has already piloted an air taxi in NEOM, signaling its commitment to future-forward transportation. With comprehensive partnerships, regulatory efforts, and innovation-driven projects, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in futuristic mobility solutions, paving the way for enhanced economic growth and job creation.
