Saudi Arabia is set to introduce air taxi services in major cities through a partnership with US company Archer Aviation. The move aims to advance urban mobility using vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Officials say it is part of a national plan to make Saudi cities hubs for next-generation air travel.
The agreement was signed at the CoMotion global summit in Riyadh. Saudi authorities outlined plans to integrate advanced air mobility (AAM) systems with the Kingdom’s aviation strategy. The partnership will upgrade regulatory frameworks, align safety standards with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and support phased rollout of air taxi services.
Planned initiatives include test flights, proof-of-concept demonstrations, infrastructure assessments, and public awareness campaigns. These steps are designed to ensure safe, large-scale adoption of air taxi services. Officials stressed that regulatory and operational foundations are crucial for integrating VTOL aircraft into the national aviation network.
Captain Suleiman Al-Muheimeed, GACA’s Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability, said collaboration with global innovators like Archer strengthens the Kingdom’s aviation ecosystem. The initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leader in advanced air mobility.
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Archer CEO Adam Goldstein said Saudi Arabia is moving with “speed and clarity” to build a next-generation mobility system. Early pilot operations, certification alignment with the FAA, and public engagement will help provide safe, sustainable air travel for millions.