DUBAI, UAE, Nov 19, 2025 – Joby Aviation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Red Sea Global (RSG) and The Helicopter Company (THC) to conduct pre-commercial evaluation flights of its electric air taxi in Saudi Arabia in the first half of 2026.
Joby will work with RSG and THC to establish a sandbox for pre-commercial operations. The sandbox will act as a base to evaluate potential air-taxi services in the region, with Joby conducting representative flights that include charging, airspace integration and ground communications, similar to its recent operations in the UAE.
John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global, stated, “At Red Sea Global, we are committed to redefining sustainable travel and setting new standards for innovation within the Kingdom’s tourism and mobility sectors. Partnering with THC and Joby 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.”
“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,” said Captain Arnaud Martinez, the CEO of THC. “Our partnership demonstrates confidence in emerging technologies, and a shared commitment to shaping a smarter, more connected tomorrow, together.”
“Saudi Arabia continues to lean in on the adoption of fast, clean and quiet air travel,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “We continue to leverage our proven market playbook by partnering with government and local operators to streamline expansion into new regions and prepare for the launch of the next generation of air mobility.”
The announcement follows Joby’s announcement to work with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to support development of the Kingdom’s air taxi regulations using Federal Aviation Administration certification standards.
Joby is expanding its presence in the Middle East and Central Asia. In September, the company began a collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority and Skyports Infrastructure to launch an air-taxi service in Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah by 2027. Under a six-year agreement, Joby also plans to start air-taxi operations in Dubai in 2026. Joby announced in November the company signed a letter of intent to sell aircraft and services worth up to $250 million to Alatau Advance Air Group, which aims to introduce air-taxis in Kazakhstan.
Source: Joby Aviation
About Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Santa Cruz, CA, the company is building a piloted, five-seat aircraft intended for short-range passenger transport with an estimated range of about 100 miles and a top speed of 200 mph. Joby works in the aerospace, defense and air-mobility sectors, with operations that include aircraft development, parts manufacturing and fleet services in CA and OH. The company plans to operate its air-taxi service and also sell aircrafts. Joby is pursuing FAA certification to support a planned commercial launch targeted for 2026.