American air taxi makers are pushing into new global markets, deepening presence in the Middle East to test and launch electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The aircraft is designed for short-range urban transportation and is being developed for planned air-taxi services in the United States and internationally.
U.S.-based aviation companies Archer and Joby signed new deals to begin testing of eVTOL aircraft in Saudi Arabia, paving the way for future commercial operations.
Archer has advanced flight tests in Abu Dhabi, while Joby has signed a deal to launch air taxis in Ras al Khaimah and is preparing operations in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Both Gulf countries are moving to integrate these American eVTOL aircraft to support luxury tourism and premium transportation.
Why It Matters
American eVTOL companies see the Middle East a promising market to launch their earliest commercial operations, with Gulf countries reaffirming trust in U.S. aviation technology for advanced air mobility. eVTOLs are designed to transform urban mobility in congested cities worldwide and could become multi-purpose aircraft.
Research, testing, and certification has been underway for over a decade, requiring extensive safety, pilot training, and infrastructure planning. Both Archer and Joby have received preliminary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications, laying the groundwork for commercial air-taxi operations once their eVTOL aircraft are fully approved.
What To Know
The new deal Archer announced on Wednesday was signed at this year’s Dubai Airshow with Saudi partners backed by the Public Investment Fund, including The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global, the latter developing luxury tourism resorts along the Red Sea coast near Neom. Joby inked a similar deal with the same Saudi companies.
The companies have marketed their eVTOLs as being much quieter than helicopters, while also touting enhanced safety thanks to multiple propellers and redundancy that reduce the risk of mechanical failure.
Meanwhile, China is also racing along with testing, with domestic companies like AutoFlight, EHang, and TCab developing their own eVTOL flying-taxi models, with test flights already underway.
What People Are Saying
Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein said in press release Wednesday: “We look forward to working together to demonstrate how Archer’s Midnight aircraft can transform travel within the Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] and set a regional benchmark for the future of aviation.”
Joby Aviation CEO JoeBen Bevirt, said in press statement Wednesday: “We continue to leverage our proven market playbook by partnering with government and local operators to streamline expansion into new regions and prepare for the launch of the next generation of air mobility.”
John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global, stated: “At Red Sea Global, we are committed to redefining sustainable travel and setting new standards for innovation within the Kingdom’s tourism and mobility sectors.”
What Happens Next
Both Archer and Joby aim to begin commercial air-taxi operations in the UAE, but actual rollout will depend on building vertiports and securing necessary regulatory approvals.