A strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia’s The Helicopter Company (THC), U.S.-based Archer Aviation, and developer Red Sea Global (RSG) marks a decisive step toward launching commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) services in the Kingdom. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, this collaboration aims to integrate Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft into the transportation ecosystem of RSG’s luxury tourism destinations, positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in advanced air mobility.
The initial phase of the agreement will establish a structured testing “sandbox” within RSG’s controlled airspace to conduct real-world flight trials of the Midnight aircraft. This critical stage will assess vehicle performance, operational feasibility, regulatory compliance, and passenger acceptance, building the foundational framework for future commercial operations. RSG’s commitment to sustainable development and its existing infrastructure make it an ideal pilot environment for demonstrating how eVTOL technology can enable faster, cleaner transit for tourists while supporting the Kingdom’s vision for regenerative tourism.
Leadership from all three organizations emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative. THC CEO Captain Arnaud Martinez stated the partnership ensures Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of the aviation transformation. RSG’s John Pagano connected the eVTOL integration to redefining sustainable travel. Archer’s Adam Goldstein highlighted the importance of collaborating with local pioneers to ensure operational readiness. This partnership represents a significant milestone in deploying next-generation, zero-emission aerial transportation within Saudi Arabia’s visionary giga-projects and urban centers.
