Eve Air Mobility has solidified a landmark strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain, signing a comprehensive Framework Agreement with the nation’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT). Announced at the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum 2025, this agreement marks a decisive step in deploying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility across the Middle East. The collaboration is centered on transforming Bahrain into a pioneering hub for sustainable, next-generation transportation, aligning with the nation’s strategic vision for innovation and economic diversification.
The core objective of the partnership is to develop the complete ecosystem required for safe and scalable Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations. This multifaceted effort will focus on three critical areas: regulatory readiness, physical infrastructure, and human capital. Together, Eve and the MTT will work to establish a regulatory “sandbox” environment, allowing for the testing and validation of eVTOL systems within Bahrain’s airspace. Concurrently, the partnership will drive the planning and development of a network of vertiports—specialized infrastructure for eVTOL takeoff, landing, and charging. A strong emphasis will also be placed on training and developing a local workforce to support all facets of the new industry, from maintenance to air traffic management. The targeted timeline aims for the launch of commercial operations within Bahrain by 2028, expanding to international routes connecting regional hubs by 2029.
Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve, described the agreement as a “historic step” in bringing sustainable air mobility to the region, noting the perfect alignment with Bahrain’s clean transportation ambitions. His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa emphasized that partnering with a global leader like Eve underscores Bahrain’s commitment to establishing the Gulf as a center of aviation innovation. Eve is already evaluating potential premium shuttle and tourist routes for its eVTOL network, with key cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha under consideration. To ensure reliability in the demanding Gulf climate, Eve’s aircraft design incorporates critical regional adaptations, including advanced UV and infrared window protection, a robust microclimate air conditioning system, and a Lift + Cruise configuration that minimizes engine exposure to dust and sand during cruise flight. This partnership positions Bahrain at the forefront of a transport revolution, aiming to reduce urban congestion with zero-emission, low-noise aerial connectivity.
