Archer Aviation, which is set to launch flying taxi services in the UAE next year, has announced plans to expand operations into Saudi Arabia through a new agreement signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The US-based electric air mobility company has partnered with The Helicopter Company (THC), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala tourism projects.
Under the agreement, Archer, THC, and RSG will begin developing, testing, and preparing for the potential integration of Archer’s Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into RSG’s destinations. The initiative marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s push to adopt advanced air mobility solutions, both for tourism and broader transport infrastructure.
The first phase of the partnership will focus on creating a structured testing environment for Archer’s aircraft within the kingdom. The sandbox programme will allow test flights under real-world conditions to evaluate the Midnight aircraft’s performance, operational feasibility, regulatory compliance, passenger response, and overall readiness of the supporting ecosystem.
The three companies also plan to jointly assess advanced aerial technologies and explore opportunities for long-term cooperation, including large-scale deployment of eVTOL services. The collaboration aims to help position Saudi Arabia as a leader in next-generation aviation while supporting national goals tied to innovation and sustainable development.
Once the sandbox phase is completed, the parties will review the findings and determine whether to move toward broader commercial operations. Any potential rollout would support mobility across RSG’s destinations, which anchor major components of the kingdom’s tourism strategy.
“We look forward to working together to demonstrate how Archer’s Midnight aircraft can transform travel within the Kingdom and set a regional benchmark for the future of aviation,” said Archer Aviation founder and CEO Adam Goldstein.
THC CEO Captain Arnaud Martinez said the company intends to play a major role in advancing the technology. “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,” he said.
John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global, described the partnership as aligned with RSG’s sustainability goals. “Partnering with THC and Archer to explore the integration of eVTOL aircraft into our destinations aligns perfectly with our vision for regenerative tourism, creating cleaner, faster, and more connected ways for guests to experience the beauty of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
The agreement adds to a growing wave of investments in electric air mobility across the Gulf as governments adopt emerging aviation technologies to enhance transport options and support economic diversification.
