Vertical Aerospace Signs Tripartite MoU to Launch Advanced Air Mobility in Saudi Arabia

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has formally entered into a strategic partnership to develop a comprehensive Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On February 10, 2026, the electric aviation manufacturer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the AHQ Group, a prominent Saudi industrial conglomerate, and the National Industrial Development Centre (NIDC), a government body operating under the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

According to the company’s official announcement, the agreement focuses on localizing the manufacturing of electric aircraft, developing necessary infrastructure, and establishing a regulatory framework for commercial operations. The partners estimate that the Saudi market could eventually support the operation of more than 1,000 of Vertical’s “Valo” aircraft.

Establishing a Regional Ecosystem

The collaboration aims to move beyond simple aircraft sales by creating a localized supply chain and operational base. The MoU outlines a multi-faceted approach to integrating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology into the Kingdom’s transport network.

Roles and Responsibilities

Under the terms of the agreement, each party brings specific expertise to the project:

• Vertical Aerospace: Will serve as the technology provider and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), supplying its piloted electric aircraft.
• AHQ Group: As a long-standing industrial partner in the region, AHQ will evaluate the commercial and industrial infrastructure required for deployment, including vertiports and logistics.
• NIDC: Representing the Saudi government, the NIDC will facilitate the partnership by aligning it with national industrial strategies and identifying investment incentives.

In a statement regarding the partnership, Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, emphasized the strategic importance of the region:

“Saudi Arabia is one of the most strategically important future markets for Advanced Air Mobility. Signing this MoU here in Riyadh reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to build a world-class aerospace industrial capability under Vision 2030.”

The “Valo” Aircraft and Localization

The partnership centers on the deployment of the “Valo,” Vertical Aerospace’s flagship piloted eVTOL aircraft. Formerly known as the VX4, the aircraft was officially rebranded in December 2025. The Valo is designed to carry four passengers and one pilot, with a flexible configuration allowing for up to six passengers in future iterations.

According to specifications released by Vertical Aerospace, the Valo offers a range of approximately 100 miles (160 km) and top speeds of roughly 150 mph (240 km/h). Crucially for the Saudi market, the aircraft is engineered to withstand high-temperature environments up to 50°C. The company is currently targeting Type Certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by 2028.

Tariq Abdel Hadi Al-Qahtani, Chairman of AHQ Group, highlighted the industrial potential of the deal:

“Advanced Air Mobility represents a new frontier for Saudi Arabia’s industrial and mobility ambitions… We see this partnership as an important step in supporting Vision 2030’s goals for diversification, innovation and high-quality job creation.”

Alignment with Vision 2030

This agreement is explicitly tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the national roadmap for economic diversification and reduced reliance on oil. The MoU prioritizes “manufacturing localization,” suggesting that future phases of the partnership could involve assembling aircraft or battery systems within the Kingdom. This aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to implement zero-emission transport solutions across the country.

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that this move by Vertical Aerospace signals a intensifying competitive landscape for AAM in the Middle East. While the United Arab Emirates (specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi) has aggressively courted competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation for early operational launches, Saudi Arabia appears to be focusing heavily on the industrialization aspect of the sector.

By partnering with the NIDC and a major industrial conglomerate like AHQ, Vertical Aerospace is positioning itself not just as a service provider, but as a foundational partner in Saudi Arabia’s industrial base. If the estimate of 1,000 aircraft holds true, this would represent a massive expansion of Vertical’s order book, which currently stands at approximately 1,500 pre-orders globally. However, the timeline for these deployments remains contingent on the 2028 certification target.

Sources

• Vertical Aerospace Press Release