Saudi Arabia partners with US company to launch urban air taxi operations

Saudi Arabia is taking a major step to transform urban travel by launching air taxi services in its major cities. Partnering with US based Archer Aviation, the Kingdom is establishing the regulatory framework, safety systems, and operational infrastructure needed to support advanced, next generation air mobility. The collaboration aims to make air taxis a safe, sustainable, and integral part of city transport.

Paving the way for future urban travel

The agreement was announced at the CoMotion global summit in Riyadh, where Saudi officials highlighted how advanced air mobility could reshape city commuting. The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to develop advanced air mobility (AAM) systems, aligning with the Kingdom’s aviation roadmap. By integrating air taxis into urban transport networks, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce travel times, improve connectivity, and position its cities as hubs for future air travel.

Building rules and safety systems

Under the memorandum of understanding, Saudi Arabia and Archer Aviation will work closely to upgrade and expand regulations for vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. This includes aligning safety and certification standards with the US Federal Aviation Administration, ensuring global compliance and high safety standards.

The partnership follows a phased approach, starting with pilot operations and scaled rollout to ensure public safety and readiness. Key components include:

• A series of test flights across the Kingdom
• Proof of concept demonstrations to validate operations
• Infrastructure assessments, including landing sites and maintenance facilities
• Public awareness campaigns to prepare communities for air taxi services

Saudi Arabia’s leadership ambition

Capt. Suleiman Al-Muheimeed, Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at GACA, said the partnership strengthens the Kingdom’s ability to integrate VTOL aircraft into the national aviation network. He emphasized that the initiative supports the advanced air mobility roadmap and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead globally in next-generation urban transport.

Archer aviation praises kingdom’s vision

Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation, described Saudi Arabia’s approach as bold and decisive. He said that aligning certification work with the FAA and launching early pilot operations will pave the way for safe, sustainable air travel for millions. Goldstein added that the partnership represents a transformative step in building a future-ready mobility ecosystem in the Kingdom.

With regulatory groundwork, test flights, and public preparation underway, Saudi Arabia is moving steadily toward making air taxis a part of everyday city life