Joby Aviation has entered into a significant partnership with Red Sea Global (RSG) and The Helicopter Company (THC), marking the next step in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward adopting electric air taxis. The collaboration, which includes plans for Joby to complete pre-commercial evaluation flights of its electric air taxi in Saudi Arabia by 2026, is a crucial move towards transforming urban mobility within the Kingdom.
Joby Aviation, renowned for developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, will work alongside RSG and THC to establish a “sandbox” for the testing of air taxi operations. This will include evaluation flights focused on airspace integration, ground communication and charging infrastructure. These trials will serve as a vital foundation for the eventual deployment of Joby’s electric air taxis in the region.
Partnership with Key Players in Saudi Arabia
Under this memorandum of understanding (MOU), Joby will team up with two prominent Saudi entities: RSG and THC. Red Sea Global is known for its commitment to regenerative tourism and its development of luxury destinations such as The Red Sea and AMAALA, while THC is a Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed company and Saudi Arabia’s premier helicopter operator. This partnership signals a concerted effort to explore the potential of eVTOL aircraft within the Kingdom’s rapidly growing tourism and mobility sectors.
John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, stressed that the collaboration fits perfectly with their vision to revolutionize sustainable travel. The integration of electric air taxis into RSG’s tourism destinations will not only enhance mobility but also provide guests with a faster, cleaner and more seamless experience. By utilizing eVTOL technology, visitors will be able to reach their destinations in record time, all while reducing the environmental impact of their travel.
Preparing for Future Air Taxi Operations
The pre-commercial trials are slated to take place in the first half of 2026, with a focus on testing Joby’s electric air taxis in various operational environments. These flights will help evaluate several key factors, including charging logistics, airspace management and overall integration with Saudi Arabia’s existing infrastructure. Similar evaluation flights were completed earlier this year in the UAE, providing Joby with valuable data to refine its operations in the Middle East.
As part of its broader expansion strategy, Joby Aviation has also partnered with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia to support the development of the Kingdom’s air taxi regulatory framework. The collaboration will follow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification standards, setting a solid foundation for the safe and efficient operation of electric air taxis in the region.
A Step Toward Sustainable Aviation in Saudi Arabia
Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, highlighted the shared vision between his company and Joby Aviation to advance the future of urban air mobility. According to Martinez, eVTOL aircraft are poised to transform urban passenger transportation and Saudi Arabia is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of this aviation revolution. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, helping the Kingdom achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions and improving urban transportation efficiency.
Saudi Arabia has already demonstrated a strong commitment to green technologies across various sectors and the integration of electric air taxis is a natural extension of this effort. Joby’s electric air taxis are designed to be fast, quiet and environmentally friendly, which aligns well with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to modernize its infrastructure and encourage sustainable development.
Expansion Across the Middle East and Central Asia
The collaboration with Saudi Arabia is part of Joby Aviation’s broader strategy to expand across the Middle East and Central Asia. In September 2025, Joby announced a long-term collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Skyports Infrastructure in the UAE, aimed at launching a passenger air taxi service network in Ras Al Khaimah by 2027. Additionally, Joby has secured an agreement to sell aircraft and services valued at up to $250 million to Kazakhstan’s Alatau Advance Air Group, which will introduce air taxis to the country.
Joby Aviation’s footprint is steadily growing, with partnerships and agreements designed to lay the groundwork for a global air taxi network. The company’s innovative approach to urban mobility, coupled with its focus on sustainability, places it at the forefront of the electric air taxi industry.
Joby’s Commitment to the Future of Air Mobility
Joby Aviation continues to focus on creating a safer, more efficient mode of transportation with its all-electric air taxis. Designed to reduce congestion in urban areas and cut down on travel time, these aircraft represent the future of air mobility, offering faster, cleaner and quieter travel options compared to traditional methods. With a growing number of partnerships, including its collaborations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kazakhstan, Joby is paving the way for a new era in aviation.
Joby’s partnership with Saudi Arabia is just one example of the company’s ongoing efforts to expand its operations globally. As the world moves towards cleaner, more sustainable transportation options, Joby Aviation’s electric air taxis are poised to lead the charge, providing efficient, eco-friendly air travel solutions to cities and destinations across the globe.
Conclusion
Joby Aviation’s partnership with Saudi Arabia represents a significant step forward in the Kingdom’s efforts to embrace sustainable transportation and modernize its tourism and mobility sectors. With the upcoming pre-commercial trials in 2026, Joby is on track to bring its electric air taxi technology to Saudi Arabia, supporting the country’s broader ambitions to be at the forefront of innovation in aviation and urban mobility. The collaboration with Red Sea Global and The Helicopter Company is just the beginning, as Joby continues to expand its footprint across the Middle East and beyond, shaping the future of air travel.
Image- jobyaviation.com
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