Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation Advances eVTOL Air Mobility Plans in Saudi Arabia
Joby Aviation partners with Red Sea Global and The Helicopter Company to test eVTOL flights in Saudi Arabia by 2026 supporting sustainable tourism goals.
We are observing a significant development in the global electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector as Joby Aviation formalizes its operational intent in the Middle East. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Red Sea Global (RSG) and The Helicopter Company (THC). This tripartite agreement is designed to establish a “sandbox” environment for pre-commercial evaluation flights within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The initiative marks a concrete step toward introducing advanced air mobility to the region, with initial flights targeted for the first half of 2026.
The collaboration focuses on integrating Joby’s electric aircraft into the developing transportation network of Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Specifically, the operations are planned for RSG’s luxury regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and AMAALA. This move aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 objectives, which prioritize sustainable tourism, economic diversification, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. By establishing a regulatory and operational testbed, the partners aim to validate the technology and passenger experience before a wider commercial rollout.
This announcement builds upon Joby’s existing relationships within the region. It follows a separate agreement with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to streamline the certification process for air taxis in the Kingdom. As the industry moves from concept to operational reality, this partnership represents a strategic convergence of technology developers, destination managers, and established aviation operators working to define the future of short-haul travel in Saudi Arabia.
The core of this new agreement is the creation of a “sandbox” environment. In regulatory and industrial terms, this refers to a controlled testing ground where new technologies can be evaluated under real-world conditions without the immediate pressure of full commercial service. For Joby Aviation, this means bringing their aircraft to the Kingdom to demonstrate operational capabilities. The scope of the MoU extends beyond simple flight tests; it encompasses the development of necessary ground infrastructure, flight scheduling logistics, and the integration of electric aviation into local airspace management systems.
The Helicopter Company (THC), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), plays a critical role in this operational equation. As Saudi Arabia’s premier commercial helicopter operator, THC brings essential local aviation expertise and logistical support to the table. THC is currently expanding its fleet and views eVTOL technology as a necessary evolution for short-haul urban and resort transport. Their involvement suggests a focus on the practicalities of maintenance, pilot integration, and safety protocols that will be required to transition from conventional rotary-wing aircraft to electric alternatives.
Red Sea Global’s participation dictates the geographical and environmental context of these operations. As the developer behind “giga-projects” like The Red Sea and AMAALA, RSG has a mandate to power its destinations with 100% renewable energy. The introduction of electric air taxis is intended to replace the noise and emissions associated with traditional helicopters and combustion-engine boats. This alignment allows RSG to offer guests a travel experience that is consistent with their sustainability goals, moving visitors between resorts and airports with minimal environmental impact.
The establishment of a regulatory sandbox allows for the validation of safety protocols and infrastructure requirements in a controlled environment prior to commercialization.
The push to introduce air taxis in Saudi Arabia is not occurring in a vacuum; it is heavily supported by the regulatory framework established by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). GACA has previously indicated its willingness to accept certification standards from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a baseline for operations within the Kingdom. This decision is pivotal, as it potentially shortens the regulatory timeline and reduces the bureaucratic friction often associated with introducing novel aviation technologies into new jurisdictions.
From a market perspective, this agreement highlights the competitive nature of the emerging eVTOL sector in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is actively positioning itself as an early adopter of advanced air mobility. Joby Aviation is not the only entity vying for presence in this market; other major manufacturers have also engaged with local stakeholders. However, Joby’s position is bolstered by its relationship with Abdul Latif Jameel, a Saudi business conglomerate and early investor in the company. Previous disclosures have outlined a potential framework for the purchase of up to 200 aircraft, suggesting a long-term commercial vision beyond the initial testing phase. The economic implications of this partnership are tied directly to the success of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. By 2030, the Kingdom aims to attract millions of international visitors. The ability to offer rapid, quiet, and emission-free transport is viewed as a premium service differentiator. Furthermore, the successful deployment of this technology could position the Kingdom as a global hub for logistics and transport innovation, attracting further foreign investment and technical expertise to the region.
Operating electric aircraft in the Saudi Arabian climate presents distinct technical challenges that differ from testing conditions in the United States or Europe. The primary environmental factors are high ambient temperatures and the presence of dust. Joby Aviation has acknowledged these conditions and is actively working to validate its aircraft’s performance in such environments. The company has engaged in flight-testing in the wider region to gather data on how extreme heat affects battery performance and system reliability.
Thermal management is a critical component of the engineering focus. To ensure passenger comfort and operational safety, the aircraft requires robust cooling systems. Joby has developed a custom cabin thermal management system designed to regulate internal temperatures efficiently. This system operates similarly to heat pumps found in electric vehicles, aiming to keep passengers cool without placing an excessive drain on the battery reserves, a balance that is essential for maintaining range and operational frequency in a hot climate.
Infrastructure development is another hurdle that the “sandbox” initiative aims to address. The remote nature of the Red Sea and AMAALA resorts requires the installation of high-speed electric charging stations capable of supporting rapid turnaround times. These stations must be integrated into the local renewable energy grids to maintain the carbon-neutral promise of the destination. The testing phase will likely determine the optimal placement and technical specifications for these chargers, ensuring they can withstand the local environmental conditions while delivering consistent power to the aircraft.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Joby Aviation, Red Sea Global, and The Helicopter Company represents a calculated progression toward the commercialization of electric air travel in the Middle East. By targeting the first half of 2026 for initial flights, the partners have set a tangible timeline for transitioning from concept to reality. This initiative serves as a testing ground not just for the aircraft, but for the entire ecosystem of infrastructure, regulation, and operations required to support advanced air mobility.
As the project moves forward, the industry will be watching closely to see how the technology adapts to the specific environmental and operational demands of Saudi Arabia. Success in this “sandbox” could validate the viability of eVTOLs in high-heat climates and luxury tourism markets globally. It underscores a broader trend where sustainable aviation is becoming a central component of modern infrastructure planning, driven by a combination of government vision and private sector innovation.
Question: When are the Joby Aviation flights expected to begin in Saudi Arabia? Question: Who are the partners involved in this agreement? Question: What is the purpose of the “sandbox” mentioned in the announcement?
Joby Aviation Advances Air Mobility Plans in Saudi Arabia
Establishing the “Sandbox” for Aerial Innovation
Strategic Alignment and Regulatory Pathways
Technical Challenges and Environmental Adaptations
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: The partners are targeting the first half of 2026 to begin initial pre-commercial flights within the established “sandbox” environment.
Answer: The agreement is a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between Joby Aviation, Red Sea Global (RSG), and The Helicopter Company (THC).
Answer: The “sandbox” is a regulatory and operational testbed designed to validate the technology, safety protocols, infrastructure, and passenger experience in real-world conditions before full commercial rollout.
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Sustainable Aviation
Shell Secures Long-Term Deal for Egypt’s First Commercial-Scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant
Shell partners with Green Sky Capital to purchase sustainable aviation fuel from Egypt’s first commercial-scale plant, targeting 145,000 tonnes annually by 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Shell.
Shell has officially entered into a long-term agreement to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Green Sky Capital, a renewable fuel developer focused on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The deal, announced recently, secures 100 percent of the output from what is slated to be Egypt’s first commercial-scale SAF production facility.
This offtake agreement provides the necessary commercial certainty for investors to proceed with the construction of the plant. According to the company’s announcement, the facility is expected to commence operations by the end of 2027. Once fully operational, it will significantly bolster the supply of low-carbon fuels in the region and support the aviation industry’s broader decarbonization goals.
The partnership between Shell and Green Sky Capital marks a significant step in scaling global SAF availability. By committing to purchase the entire output of the facility, Shell is effectively de-risking the project for its developers and financiers.
The new plant is projected to produce up to 145,000 tonnes of SAF annually. In addition to aviation fuel, the facility will generate bionaphtha and biopropane as by-products. Shell reports that the use of these fuels is expected to contribute to a yearly reduction of up to 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions.
While specific location details were not itemized in the press statement, industry data suggests the facility will be a cornerstone of Egypt’s renewable energy infrastructure. The operational target is set for late 2027, aligning with increasing global mandates for SAF usage.
Geoff Mansfield, Vice President of Low Carbon Fuels at Shell Trading, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal in a statement included in the release:
“By securing 100% of the plant’s output, Shell is strengthening its global supply network for low-carbon fuels and helping aviation meet decarbonisation targets.”
This agreement reflects Shell’s broader strategy to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050. The company has been aggressively expanding its logistics and supply capabilities to meet the growing demand from airlines facing both regulatory mandates and voluntary sustainability commitments. According to data released by the company, Shell has established itself as a dominant player in the SAF market:
Shell attributes this market position to long-term agreements with producers, strong customer relationships, and strategic investments in logistics infrastructure around key airports and terminals.
Green Sky Capital serves as the developer for this project. It is identified as a regional renewable-fuel development platform operating within the MENA region. It is important to note that this entity is distinct from the U.S.-based fintech firm GreenSky, LLC, and the Canadian venture capital firm GreenSky Ventures. This project is part of a wider consortium often referred to as the Egyptian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company (ESAF), involving collaboration with Egyptian state entities.
The Critical Role of Offtake Agreements
At AirPro News, we observe that 100 percent offtake agreements, like the one signed between Shell and Green Sky Capital, are becoming the “gold standard” for greenfield SAF projects. The primary barrier to entry for new SAF facilities is often not technology, but “bankability.” Lenders are hesitant to finance infrastructure costing hundreds of millions of dollars without guaranteed revenue streams.
By locking in a buyer for the entire 145,000-tonne capacity before the plant is even built, this deal effectively bridges the gap between planning and execution. It signals a maturing market where major energy traders are willing to bet on long-term supply rather than spot-market availability. Furthermore, locating this capacity in Egypt diversifies the global supply chain, reducing the industry’s heavy reliance on production hubs in North America and Western Europe.
When will the new facility begin production? How much fuel will the plant produce? What is the environmental impact? Who is buying the fuel?
Agreement Overview and Production Capacity
Facility Specifications and Timeline
Executive Commentary
Strategic Context and Market Position
Shell’s Global SAF Footprint
About Green Sky Capital
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Operations are expected to commence by the end of 2027.
The facility is designed to produce up to 145,000 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) annually, along with bionaphtha and biopropane.
The production and use of fuels from this plant are expected to reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by up to 500,000 tons per year.
Shell has signed a long-term agreement to purchase 100% of the facility’s output.
Sources
Photo Credit: Shell
Technology & Innovation
Archer Aviation Launches Miami Air Taxi Network with Key Partners
Archer Aviation plans a South Florida air taxi network using its Midnight eVTOL, partnering with Related Ross and Magic City Innovation District targeting launch in 2025.
Archer Aviation has officially announced its plans to launch a comprehensive air taxi network across South Florida, targeting one of the most congested corridors in the United States. In a press release issued this week, the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer detailed a strategy to connect Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach using its “Midnight” aircraft.
The initiative aims to reduce travel times significantly in the region. According to Archer, flights that currently take 60 to 90 minutes by car could be reduced to approximately 10 to 20 minutes by air. The company is targeting a commercial launch as early as 2025, pending necessary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications.
To support this network, Archer has secured partnerships with high-profile real estate developers and infrastructure owners, distinguishing its plan with specific, tangible landing sites rather than theoretical locations.
A critical component of Archer’s announcement is the identification of specific “vertiport” locations anchored by influential local partners. The network relies on electrifying existing infrastructure and developing new sites within major commercial hubs.
In West Palm Beach, Archer is partnering with Related Ross, the development firm led by Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins. The plan involves developing a dedicated vertiport within Related Ross’s downtown development. This partnership secures a premium hub in a high-growth commercial center, catering to business travelers and residents in the northern leg of the network.
For its Miami hub, Archer has selected the Magic City Innovation District in Little Haiti. The company plans to develop a vertiport within this mixed-use technology district, providing a landing spot close to downtown Miami. This location is intended to serve as a central node for passengers moving between the urban core and northern suburbs.
Beyond new developments, Archer is utilizing existing assets to accelerate its timeline:
“We are thrilled to work with such esteemed partners to bring the future of flight to South Florida,” said an Archer spokesperson in the company’s announcement.
South Florida has emerged as a primary battleground for the nascent Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry. While Archer’s announcement solidifies its footprint, other operators are also vying for airspace in the region. Industry reports indicate a competitive race to launch services by 2026. UrbanLink, for instance, has announced plans to operate a network connecting similar cities, Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, using Lilium Jets. Similarly, UrbanX (a subsidiary of Global Crossing Airlines) is partnering with Eve Air Mobility to launch commuter flights, with a focus on community integration.
Archer’s strategy appears to differentiate itself through the specificity of its real estate partnerships. By naming concrete buildings and landlords like Related Ross and Hard Rock, the company is moving beyond general “letters of intent” toward physical infrastructure planning.
From the Editors: Archer’s announcement represents a shift from theoretical network mapping to tangible infrastructure acquisition. The involvement of Stephen Ross and Related Ross adds significant capital credibility to the West Palm Beach operations, potentially reassuring investors about the viability of the ground infrastructure, often the most expensive and complex part of the UAM equation.
However, the choice of the Magic City Innovation District in Little Haiti may present challenges. As noted in broader local reporting on Miami development, this district has faced community sensitivity regarding gentrification and displacement. While the location is geographically strategic, navigating local zoning and community approval processes in such a sensitive area will likely require careful engagement, distinct from the technical hurdles of FAA certification.
Archer’s “Midnight” aircraft is currently in the final stages of its certification program. The FAA has issued final airworthiness criteria for the aircraft, a necessary step before commercial operations can begin. While the company targets 2025 for its initial launch, widespread service scaling is generally projected by industry analysts to occur throughout 2026 as production ramps up and infrastructure comes online.
Local regulations also play a role. Miami-Dade County’s Transportation Planning Organization has been developing a framework for Urban Air Mobility, and Florida state statutes are being reviewed to accommodate vertiport zoning. Archer’s ability to activate existing helipads, such as those at Hard Rock Stadium, may allow for faster initial routes while new construction at sites like Magic City proceeds.
Archer is targeting a commercial launch as early as 2025, dependent on receiving final FAA certification for its Midnight aircraft.
Planned locations include a new vertiport in West Palm Beach (Related Ross), the Magic City Innovation District in Miami, and existing helipads at Hard Rock Stadium and Apogee Golf Club. Flights are projected to take between 10 and 20 minutes, replacing drives that can take 60 to 90 minutes in heavy traffic.
Archer Aviation Unveils Strategic Miami Air Taxi Network with Key Real Estate Partners
Anchoring the Network: Strategic Partnerships
West Palm Beach and Related Ross
Miami and the Magic City Innovation District
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure
Market Context and Competitive Landscape
AirPro News Analysis
Regulatory and Operational Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Archer’s Miami air taxi service launch?
Where will the air taxis land?
How fast are the flights?
Sources
Photo Credit: Archer Aviation
Technology & Innovation
Viettel and Vietnam Airlines Develop Proprietary Weather Alert System
Viettel Software and Vietnam Airlines collaborate to create a weather alert system providing real-time data for safer and more efficient aviation operations in Southeast Asia.
This article is based on an official press release from Viettel and Vietnam Airlines. See the original release for full details.
On November 28, 2025, Viettel Software Investment and Technology Co., Ltd. (Viettel Software) and Vietnam Airlines officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop a proprietary Hazardous Weather Alert and Operational Support System. This collaboration marks a significant step in Vietnam’s aviation sector, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign technology while enhancing flight Safety through localized, data-driven intelligence.
According to the official announcement, the new system is designed to provide real-time meteorological data and impact assessments tailored specifically to the operational challenges of the Southeast Asian aviation environment. By integrating advanced weather monitoring directly into the national flag carrier’s infrastructure, the Partnerships seeks to optimize flight planning and improve decision-making during volatile weather events.
The agreement also highlights a broader push for digital sovereignty under the “Make in Vietnam” strategy, demonstrating the capacity of domestic technology firms to produce mission-critical aviation software.
The core of this partnership is the development of a specialized software platform capable of detecting and alerting operations teams to hazardous conditions such as turbulence, icing, and thunderstorms. Unlike standard consumer weather applications, this system is engineered to be “safety-critical,” meaning it must meet rigorous reliability standards required for aviation operations.
Viettel Software stated that the system will not merely display weather patterns but will actively analyze potential impacts across various flight phases, including takeoff, cruise, and landing. This capability allows flight dispatchers and pilots to proactively adjust routes, potentially reducing the risk of weather-related incidents.
To ensure the accuracy of its meteorological data, Viettel is expanding its collaboration with Weathernews Inc. (WNI), Japan’s largest private weather service. This integration ensures that the platform combines Viettel’s software engineering with high-precision global weather data.
“The system provides immediate notifications of hazardous weather conditions… allowing for proactive decision-making.”
, Summary of system capabilities based on Viettel press materials
Beyond safety, the system is expected to drive operational efficiency. By integrating weather intelligence into flight planning workflows, Vietnam Airlines aims to optimize fuel consumption and reduce delays caused by unnecessary diversions. The airline anticipates that more precise data regarding storm cells and clear air turbulence will allow for tighter, more efficient flight paths without compromising safety.
The timing of this development is particularly relevant given the increasing frequency of severe weather events in the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam is frequently impacted by typhoons and tropical depressions, which pose significant logistical and safety challenges for airlines.
According to industry data, the region faces unique meteorological phenomena, such as rapidly developing tropical storm cells, which require high-frequency monitoring that generic global models may sometimes miss. By building a custom solution, Vietnam Airlines can tailor the system’s algorithms to prioritize the specific weather threats most common in its route network.
The following is an analysis by AirPro News regarding the competitive landscape of aviation weather technology.
Viettel’s entry into the aviation weather market places it in direct competition with established global heavyweights. Currently, the market for “4D Weather Situational Awareness” (tracking weather across latitude, longitude, altitude, and time) is dominated by providers such as Lufthansa Systems, SITA, and Honeywell.
For example, Lufthansa Systems’ Lido mPilot and SITA’s eWAS Pilot are widely considered industry standards, offering sophisticated vertical profile views of turbulence and icing. These systems are mature, globally tested, and integrated into the cockpits of major international carriers.
However, Viettel’s approach offers a distinct strategic advantage for Vietnam Airlines: data sovereignty and cost control. Licensing global “black box” solutions can be expensive and may offer limited customization. By developing a proprietary system, Vietnam Airlines retains ownership of its operational data and can iterate the software rapidly in response to local needs. If successful, this project could serve as a proof-of-concept for Viettel to export similar defense-grade or aviation-grade software to other regional carriers, challenging the dominance of Western tech providers in Southeast Asia-Pacific.
Who are the primary partners in this agreement? What is the role of Weathernews Inc. (WNI)? When was the agreement signed? Is this system available to other airlines?
Viettel and Vietnam Airlines Partner to Build Proprietary Weather Alert System
Technical Capabilities and Operational Integration
Real-Time Data and Impact Assessment
Operational Efficiency
Strategic Context: Aviation in a Volatile Climate
AirPro News Analysis: Competing with Global Giants
Frequently Asked Questions
The agreement is between Viettel Software (a subsidiary of Viettel Group) and Vietnam Airlines.
WNI acts as a strategic ally, providing the high-precision meteorological data that underpins the software developed by Viettel.
The strategic cooperation agreement was signed on November 28, 2025.
Currently, the system is being developed specifically for Vietnam Airlines. However, successful deployment could position Viettel to offer similar solutions to other operators in the future.
Sources
Photo Credit: Viettel
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