Joby Aviation Advances Middle East Expansion Through Strategic Partnership to Launch Pre-Commercial Air Taxi Operations in Saudi Arabia
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a leading innovator in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology, has taken another significant step toward establishing next-generation air mobility in the Middle East. The company announced that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Red Sea Global (RSG) and The Helicopter Company (THC), outlining plans to conduct pre-commercial evaluation flights of its electric air taxi in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2026. The collaboration represents an important move in Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to position itself as a global leader in innovative, sustainable, and technologically advanced transportation systems.
A Strategic Three-Way Partnership to Pioneer Clean Aviation in the Kingdom
Under the terms of the MoU, Joby will work closely with both Red Sea Global—developer of Saudi Arabia’s flagship regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and AMAALA—and The Helicopter Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Kingdom’s primary commercial helicopter operator. Together, the three organizations aim to establish what they refer to as a “sandbox” environment for pre-commercial operations. This sandbox will serve as the testing hub for evaluating how eVTOL aircraft can be seamlessly integrated into Saudi Arabia’s evolving mobility ecosystem.
The purpose of the sandbox is to create a controlled yet realistic operational setting where Joby can conduct representative flights to assess real-world performance. These flights are expected to simulate future commercial operations, complete with supporting ground and air infrastructure. Joby’s aircraft will engage in test flights that include charging cycles, airspace coordination, communication protocols, and passenger-style operations—similar to the demonstration campaigns Joby recently completed in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year.
This initiative is designed not only to demonstrate the technical readiness of Joby’s aircraft but also to provide valuable insights into regulatory alignment, operational feasibility, and customer experience expectations for eventual commercial launch.
A Vision Aligned With Saudi Arabia’s Regenerative Tourism Future
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, emphasized how the partnership aligns with the organization’s mission to redefine future tourism. As a leader in regenerative tourism development, RSG aims to prioritize sustainability, conservation, and cutting-edge mobility solutions that reduce environmental impact while elevating the guest experience.
“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,” Pagano said. “Partnering with THC and Joby to explore the integration of eVTOL aircraft into our destinations aligns perfectly with our vision for regenerative tourism. We want to create cleaner, faster, and more connected ways for guests to experience the beauty of Saudi Arabia.”
RSG’s developments, which include some of the most ambitious luxury and eco-conscious tourism projects in the world, have been designed with sustainable transportation as a core pillar. Integrating electric air taxis would represent a revolutionary shift in how visitors move around large, environmentally sensitive areas—reducing carbon emissions, noise pollution, and travel time.
THC Reinforces Its Commitment to Aviation Innovation
The Helicopter Company (THC) has grown rapidly since its inception and now serves as the Kingdom’s flagship aviation services provider. Through fleet expansion, the introduction of premium helicopter services, and participation in major national mobility initiatives, THC has positioned itself at the forefront of transforming the region’s aviation landscape.
Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, underscored the importance of embracing technological innovation in shaping the future of air mobility.
“eVTOL is emerging as the future of urban passenger transportation, and with the right partners, we are glad to be a key part of ensuring that Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this transformation in aviation,” said Martinez. “Our partnership demonstrates confidence in emerging technologies, and a shared commitment to shaping a smarter, more connected tomorrow, together.”
THC’s participation provides operational expertise, regulatory insight, and valuable experience in passenger air services—key elements for supporting Joby’s planned evaluation flights.
Joby Aviation Strengthens Its Middle East Strategy
For Joby Aviation, the collaboration represents a major milestone in its ongoing global expansion. Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt emphasized the Kingdom’s forward-thinking approach to adopting clean aviation solutions.
“Saudi Arabia continues to lean in on the adoption of fast, clean and quiet air travel,” said Bevirt. “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.”
Joby’s approach typically involves working directly with government regulators, transportation authorities, and local industry partners to build strong foundations for future commercial operations. This ensures that infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and customer acceptance all develop in parallel—leading to more seamless market entry.
Building Toward a Regional Regulatory Framework
Notably, the announcement comes shortly after Joby confirmed a separate collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Through this partnership, Joby will help support the development of an air taxi regulatory framework tailored for the Kingdom, using U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification standards as the baseline. By aligning early with international safety benchmarks, Saudi Arabia aims to accelerate the safe introduction of electric air taxis nationwide.
This regulatory momentum is an important enabler for the company’s ambitions in the region and signals the Kingdom’s dedication to adopting advanced mobility technologies at scale.
Rapid Expansion Across the Middle East and Central Asia
Joby’s latest initiative in Saudi Arabia adds to a string of strategic expansions across the Middle East and Central Asia, reflecting its intention to establish a broad operational footprint well before the commercial launch of its passenger services.
In September, Joby entered into a long-term collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Skyports Infrastructure. Under this agreement, Joby plans to develop a passenger air taxi network throughout the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah by 2027. The project is designed to support tourism, improve connectivity, and complement the UAE’s growing interest in sustainable aviation solutions.
Additionally, Joby holds a six-year exclusive agreement to begin air taxi operations in Dubai starting in 2026. This exclusivity positions Joby as a frontrunner in introducing eVTOL systems to one of the world’s most technologically progressive cities.
In November, the company further broadened its regional influence by signing a letter of intent to sell aircraft and associated services valued at up to $250 million to Alatau Advance Air Group. The Kazakhstan-based company aims to develop air taxi capabilities within the country, marking one of Joby’s most substantial prospective commercial deals to date.
A Region Poised for Transformation in Air Mobility
Taken together, these developments illustrate the rapid acceleration of urban and regional air mobility initiatives across the Middle East and Central Asia. Governments in the region are increasingly investing in clean transportation solutions, smart city infrastructure, and tourism-oriented mobility services. Joby’s partnerships—backed by supportive regulatory bodies and ambitious local operators—position the company well to lead this transformation.
The collaborative effort between Joby, Red Sea Global, and The Helicopter Company not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as an emerging hub for sustainable aviation but also marks another decisive step in Joby’s global strategy to commercialize eVTOL technology. With evaluation flights scheduled for the first half of 2026, the stage is set for a new era of air mobility in the Kingdom, paving the way for cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation solutions that align with the region’s long-term economic and environmental goals.
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