- Saudi Arabia has launched a structured “sandbox” to test Archer’s helicopter autonomous driving system under real regulatory conditions, marking one of the first formal AAM evaluation programs in the Gulf region.
- The partnership between THC, Archer Aviation and Red Sea Global makes the Kingdom one of the first countries to adopt sustainable air mobility in line with Vision 2030.
- GACA’s participation in the pilot test model allows for real-time regulatory oversight of electric aircraft operations, infrastructure readiness, and passenger acceptance.
- Archer’s collaboration with national stakeholders enhances its expansion into the Middle East as eVTOL aircraft move closer to commercial adoption.
- Successful trials could pave the way for the widespread deployment of electric helicopter services across major tourism and transportation corridors in Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken an important step towards integrating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into its national transportation and tourism ecosystem, announcing a tripartite partnership between The Helicopter Company (THC), Archer Aviation, and Red Sea Global (RSG). The agreement, which was signed during the Dubai Airshow 2025, provides for the establishment of a structured “experimental framework” in which Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft will undergo testing under real-world conditions with direct regulatory involvement from the Kingdom’s aviation authorities.
The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s accelerating efforts to integrate Advanced Air Transport (AAM) into its economic diversification and sustainability agenda, particularly within the framework of the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s growing portfolio of aviation, infrastructure and tourism projects. With global AAM markets rapidly advancing – with major countries preparing for regulatory frameworks, marketing trials and certification trials – the Kingdom’s controlled sandbox environment positions it as one of the first jurisdictions in the Middle East to formalize interoperable regulatory, industrial and operational structures for electric rotorcraft deployment.
A strategic partnership anchored in the national mobility policy
The agreement brings together three core entities for the emerging aviation strategy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. THC, a Public Investment Fund-owned company, has expanded rapidly since its founding in 2019, and now operates nearly 60 aircraft across emergency medical services, private charters, air business and tourism. RSG, also a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, oversees major renewable tourism destinations including the Red Sea and Amala – both of which have been designated as key developments under Vision 2030. Archer Aviation, the California-based developer behind the Midnight aircraft, is one of the most closely watched eVTOL aircraft manufacturers in the world.
The MoU was signed by Captain Arno Martinez, CEO of THC, John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global Group, and Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation. This collaboration seeks to evaluate the potential future integration of Midnight into commercial mobility operations across destinations operated by RSG.
Captain Martinez stressed the strategic goal behind the agreement. “eVTOL is emerging as the future of urban passenger transportation, and with the right partners, we are pleased to be a key part of ensuring that Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this transformation in aviation,” he said. He stressed that the partnership reflects “confidence in emerging technologies” and commitment to finding connected transportation solutions that are in line with national development goals.
A controlled test bed for the next generation of air mobility
Under the initial phase, Archer, THC and RSG will develop a structured “sandbox” that will enable the aircraft to be tested under operating conditions. The framework includes supervision by the General Civil Aviation Authority, which will work in cooperation with partners to monitor safety performance, regulatory compliance, passenger acceptance and operational feasibility.
The role of the RSG will be pivotal in implementing these trials. Its controlled airspace, sustainable infrastructure and remote geographic settings provide a suitable testing environment to evaluate how electric aircraft can be integrated into high-value tourism destinations. John Pagano, CEO of RSG, framed the project as being consistent with the company’s environmental and mobility philosophy. He said: “At Red Sea International, we are committed to redefining sustainable travel and setting new standards for innovation in the tourism and transportation sectors in the Kingdom.” The partnership with THC and Archer “aligns perfectly with our vision for regenerative tourism.”
The tests are expected to benefit broader regulatory frameworks, including airspace integration, charging infrastructure, ground-to-air connectivity requirements, and passenger handling operations. These frameworks are essential as countries prepare for the commercial adoption of electric helicopter operations over the next decade. Global aviation regulatory bodies – including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Asia’s leading civil aviation authorities – are currently working to formalize certification standards for eVTOL aircraft, with several scheduled to receive initial approvals by 2025-2026.
Archer’s expansion strategy in the Middle East
For Archer, the partnership builds on the company’s growing international presence. Midnight, a piloted aircraft capable of carrying four passengers, is designed for short, high-frequency flights with minimal charging time between flights. It is capable of converting 60-90 minute surface flights into 10-20 minute air taxi services. While Archer continues its certification efforts in the United States, international collaborations like this allow the company to test operational concepts in diverse regulatory and geographic contexts.
Goldstein drafted the agreement consistent with Archer’s approach to market entry. “A key part of Archer’s strategy is to partner with leading operators in each country who share our goals and vision,” he said. He added that THC and RSG are “committed to ensuring Saudi Arabia is operationally ready to launch eVTOL aircraft,” and Midnight offers a model capable of reshaping travel within the Kingdom’s destinations.
Political mentor for AAM in the Gulf
The Pilot Framework represents one of the first attempts in the Gulf region to integrate electric rotorcraft trials into a formal regulatory structure. For Saudi Arabia, the initiative closely aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, including diversifying mobility solutions, developing sustainable tourism, and creating new technology-driven industries.
The controlled testing model enables regulators to monitor aircraft operations, evaluate integration requirements, and formulate future policy in real time. It also reduces adoption risks by enabling phased implementation before large-scale deployment decisions are made. Once the program is completed, all parties will review the results to determine next steps and evaluate the feasibility of providing electric helicopter services on a large scale across the Kingdom.
Placing Saudi Arabia in a new phase of sustainable air mobility
As global investment in advanced air mobility accelerates, partnerships linking technology developers with national operators and regulatory structures are becoming a hallmark of early market deployment. Saudi Arabia’s initiative with Archer and RSG represents a regional milestone, demonstrating how eVTOL aircraft can align with national goals for sustainability, tourism and mobility while also helping to shape the regulatory frameworks required to support their safe launch.
If successful, the project could position the Kingdom as one of the first countries to operate drone services within controlled tourism environments, which could set a precedent for future AAM adoption in the Gulf region and beyond.
About the Author
