Aviation360 MEA

Joby Aviation, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi manufacturer, is expanding into Saudi Arabia. The company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mukamalah Aviation, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh. This agreement aims to introduce Joby’s eVTOL air taxis in Saudi Arabia, potentially including the direct sale of aircraft to Mukamalah.

Mukamalah Aviation, which operates the world’s largest fleet of corporate aircraft, serves 13 airports and manages over 300 helipads across Saudi Arabia. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, and Captain Khalid Al Natour, CEO of Mukamalah, signed the agreement.

This MOU builds on Joby’s previous agreements to operate in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with plans to begin flying in the United Arab Emirates by 2025. “Saudi Arabia presents a remarkable opportunity for our technology,” said Bevirt.

Joby’s air taxi can carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph, with a range of 100 miles. Flights will originate from vertiports at locations like airports and hotels, producing significantly less noise than helicopters.

Joby plans to operate its own aircraft in markets such as the U.S. and UAE but also aims to sell aircraft to partners like Mukamalah. The agreement involves Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to facilitate Joby’s market entry.

“We are proud to be working with Joby and Mukamalah on the regulatory framework for eVTOL aircraft,” said a GACA spokesperson, emphasizing the role in meeting Saudi Arabia’s climate goals.

Joby first announced Middle East operations in February, partnering with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) for exclusive air taxi operations in Dubai for six years post-launch. In April, Joby expanded to Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).

Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its oil-dependent economy with sustainable initiatives, a key component of its Vision 2030 plan. This includes a focus on sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen solutions.

Earlier this year, the Saudi state-owned Helicopter and Jet Company partnered with Bristow Group to explore eVTOL introduction in the country. German manufacturers Volocopter and Lilium are also planning eVTOL networks in Saudi Arabia, with orders placed for operations in the Neom zone and by flag carrier Saudia, respectively.