Dubai: The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund company and Saudi Arabia’s premier commercial helicopter operator, signed an agreement at this year’s Dubai Airshow with Archer Aviation, a U.S.-based aerospace innovator, and PIF’s Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA. The partnership will focus on the development, testing, and potential integration of Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into RSG’s operations as one of the first deployments of eVTOL aircraft in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the signing marks a major step forward in the Kingdom’s efforts to explore and integrate eVTOL aircraft into its emerging mobility ecosystem. The memorandum of understanding was signed by THC chief executive Captain Arnaud Martinez, RSG Group chief executive John Pagano, and Archer Aviation chief commercial officer Nikhil Goel.
In the initial phase of the agreement, Archer Aviation will work together with THC and RSG to help build the foundational framework for their planned eVTOL operations in Saudi Arabia. This includes 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 companies 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. As the 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.
RSG’s controlled airspace, sustainable infrastructure, and its position as a flagship developer under PIF offer a suitable platform to demonstrate the potential of advanced air mobility in supporting regenerative tourism and next-generation transportation options for the Kingdom. Following the completion of the sandbox program, all parties will review the results and consider further initiatives to support large-scale introduction of eVTOL services.
The partnership represents 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.
