Archer Aviation, the California-based pioneer in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has taken a major step toward expanding its footprint in the Middle East by announcing new operations in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement, unveiled on Wednesday at the Dubai Airshow 2025, marks the company’s latest strategic partnership as it accelerates plans to introduce flying taxi services across the region.
The deal was signed between Archer, The Helicopter Company (THC) — a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) — and Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the flagship regenerative tourism projects The Red Sea and Amaala.
The three parties will work together to develop, test, and potentially integrate Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft into RSG’s transport ecosystem. Under this collaboration, the initial phase will focus on building a robust foundational framework for future eVTOL operations in the Kingdom.
This includes establishing processes, assessing aviation infrastructure, and engaging with regulators to ensure that all operations comply with emerging standards in advanced air mobility.
A key component of the partnership is the creation of a structured sandbox environment. This controlled setting will allow Archer to conduct test flights of its Midnight eVTOL under real-world conditions in Saudi Arabia.
The sandbox will evaluate aircraft performance, operational readiness, passenger experience, and ecosystem integration, providing crucial insights ahead of potential large-scale deployment.
The tests will also examine how the aircraft interacts with the unique geography of RSG’s expansive tourism destinations, which rely on sustainable and innovative mobility solutions.
By combining Archer’s technology with the operational expertise of THC and the environmentally driven vision of RSG, partners hope to pioneer a new model for low-emission travel in Saudi Arabia.
Beyond flight testing, the parties will also explore long-term strategic cooperation. This includes assessing the potential for fleet expansion, integrating advanced aerial technologies, and supporting initiatives that position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of next-generation aviation.
The discussions will also look at training local talent, building maintenance capabilities, and creating a framework for future commercial eVTOL routes.
Following the completion of the sandbox program, the three partners will collectively evaluate the results to determine whether to move forward with broader deployment. The findings will guide decisions on scaling flying taxi services across RSG’s destinations and possibly other strategic locations within the Kingdom.
Archer Aviation founder and CEO Adam Goldstein described the partnership as an important milestone in the company’s global expansion plans. “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,” he said.
For THC, the partnership aligns with its mission to support Saudi Arabia’s rapidly advancing aviation sector. Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, emphasized that eVTOLs will play a crucial role in shaping future mobility.
“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.
Red Sea Global, whose destinations are designed around cutting-edge sustainability principles, sees eVTOL integration as a natural extension of its ambitions.
John Pagano, group CEO of RSG, said the partnership supports the company’s vision of greener and more efficient travel options.
“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.
Archer’s expansion into Saudi Arabia follows its earlier announcement of launching flying taxi services in the UAE next year. With both markets aiming to become global leaders in advanced air mobility, the region is emerging as a key testing ground for the future of short-distance aviation.
As Middle Eastern governments push forward with ambitious mobility strategies, partnerships like these are expected to play a defining role in transforming how people move, explore, and connect.
Archer’s latest agreement signals growing momentum behind eVTOL adoption and sets the stage for what could become a new era of sustainable air travel in Saudi Arabia.