Post by : Rameen Ariff

Dubai: Saudi Arabia has moved closer to launching air taxi services after announcing a new partnership with US-based Archer Aviation, a company known for developing vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The collaboration is aimed at bringing advanced air mobility to the Kingdom’s major cities and easing pressure on ground transport as urban areas continue to grow.

The agreement was signed during a global mobility summit held in Riyadh, where Saudi officials shared their plans to use next-generation air transport to change the way people travel within busy urban centres. The partnership reflects the Kingdom’s broader push to adopt innovative transport solutions and position itself as a regional leader in future mobility.

As part of the deal, Saudi authorities and Archer Aviation will work together to create a clear regulatory framework for VTOL aircraft operations. This includes aligning safety rules and certification standards with international aviation practices, particularly those followed in the United States. The process will also involve test flights, detailed studies of landing and take-off infrastructure, and awareness programmes to prepare both regulators and the public for air taxi services.

Officials said the focus will be on introducing the service in phases, starting with pilot projects before moving to wider commercial use. The goal is to ensure that all safety, operational and environmental standards are met before full deployment across the country.

Senior aviation officials said the partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia’s ability to safely integrate air taxis into its existing aviation network. They added that advanced air mobility is a key part of the Kingdom’s long-term transport strategy and supports its vision of building smarter and more sustainable cities.

Archer Aviation’s leadership welcomed the collaboration, praising Saudi Arabia for moving quickly and clearly in developing a future-ready mobility system. The company said the project would help bring cleaner, quieter and more efficient air transport options to urban populations, offering a new way to travel short distances in congested cities.

The initiative marks a significant step for Saudi Arabia as it explores modern transport technologies to support economic growth, tourism and urban development in the years ahead.

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