Archer Aviation signs landmark deal at the Dubai Airshow to accelerate eVTOL rollout across Saudi Arabia
November 19, 2025
Archer Aviation, the US-based developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has signed an exclusive tripartite deal with The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global that will facilitate the rollout of eVTOL operations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2026.
Archer signs exclusive deal with THC and RSG
The Helicopter Company (THC) is a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s premier commercial helicopter operator. The company has also been tasked with the activation of new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realisation of Vision 2030.
This is a set of initiatives founded to promote inbound tourism to Saudi Arabia by creating an entirely new ecosystem for general aviation services and introducing safe and efficient transport services across the Kingdom.
THC is the country’s premier commercial helicopter operator and has been operating since mid-2019. THC currently has over 60 aircraft that serve diverse segments, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), aerial work, private charters and tourism in the Kingdom.
Red Sea Global (RSG), meanwhile, is a Saudi-based investment firm and real estate developer that is investing heavily in regenerative tourism destinations and other projects throughout the Kingdom. The company operates a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services.
Archer is currently pushing ahead with plans for the introduction of eVTOL flights in the Middle East from as early as 2026 with its Midnight aircraft. For an AGN exclusive on how these plans are taking shape, click here.
Archer signs major deal for Saudi Arabia eVTOL flights
The deal, signed at the Dubai Airshow, will focus on the development, testing, and potential integration of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft into RSG’s operations as one of the first deployments of eVTOL aircraft in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG, and Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer Aviation.
The signing of the deal represents a major step forward in the Kingdom’s efforts to explore and integrate eVTOL into its emerging mobility ecosystem. During the initial phase of the agreement, Archer Aviation will work together with THC and RSG to help build the foundational framework for its planned eVTOL operations in Saudi Arabia.
According to Archer, this process will include establishing “a structured sandbox environment to conduct test flights with Archer’s Midnight eVTOL under real-world conditions to assess aircraft performance, operational feasibility, regulatory alignment, passenger acceptance, and overall ecosystem readiness.”
The parties have said that they will also collaborate on testing advanced aerial technologies, exploring long-term strategic partnerships for large-scale deployment, and supporting regional innovation to advance next-generation aviation systems.
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Future testing of Midnight in the Kingdom is planned
As this framework progresses, RSG will lead the sandbox testing with Archer’s Midnight aircraft to evaluate the potential for integrating eVTOL aircraft into the company’s future operations.
“Given RSG’s controlled airspace, sustainable infrastructure, and its position as a flagship developer under PIF, it offers a suitable platform to demonstrate the potential of advanced air mobility in supporting regenerative tourism and next-generation transportation options for the Kingdom,” added the Archer statement.
“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.”
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, added, “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 Archer 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.”
Archer Aviation’s founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, commented, “A key part of Archer’s strategy is partnering with the leading operators in each country who share our goals and vision, and both THC and RSG are similarly committed to ensuring that Saudi Arabia is operationally prepared to launch eVTOL aircraft.”
“We look forward to working together to demonstrate how Archer’s Midnight aircraft can transform travel within the Kingdom and set a regional benchmark for the future of aviation,” Goldstein added.
Next steps of the eVTOL rollout in Saudi Arabia
Following the completion of the sandbox program, all parties will review the results and consider further initiatives to support the large-scale introduction of eVTOL services.
According to all three parties involved, the partnership is said to “represent a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward sustainable, next-generation aviation, paving the way for cleaner, faster, and more connected modes of transport that align with the ambitions of Vision 2030.”
Featured image: Archer Aviation
