This week during the International Civil Aviation Organization’s inaugural Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Summit in Montreal, Joby took the first step in securing an air operator certificate from the United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)—a requirement to operate commercial air transport in the country.

Company leaders met with the aviation regulator’s director general, presenting a letter of intent to begin the application process.

Joby earlier this year signed multiple agreements with regional Emirati agencies in preparation to fly in the UAE’s two largest cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as early as 2026. It announced similar plans for neighboring Saudi Arabia in May.

“There is incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE, and we’re excited to be working with a wide range of partners, including the GCAA, to lay the groundwork for one of the world’s first electric air taxi networks,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby.

Joby’s all-electric air taxi takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter but flies on fixed wings like a plane, with some help from unique tilting propellers. It is designed for a pilot to fly as many as four passengers, cruising as fast as 200 mph (174 knots).

The company estimates that a trip between Dubai International Airport (OMDB) and the Palm Jumeirah—a group of artificial islands on the city’s waterside—for example, would take about 10 minutes by air taxi versus 45 minutes by car.

Joby’s LOI for an air operator certificate is the first step toward making those flights a reality. Similar to the FAA’s Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate, which Joby obtained in 2022, the approval will authorize the company as a commercial operator. The certification process comprises five phases, culminating in GCAA observation of flight operations and pilot and mechanic training. The company will also devise air taxi operating manuals and host inspections of its UAE facilities.

“Our readiness to support these advanced technologies underscores our commitment to fostering advanced air mobility solutions that will be part of the future of transportation in the UAE and beyond,” said Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA.

Joby is not alone in the Middle East. The region has become somewhat of a hot spot for eVTOL manufacturers in recent years, luring companies with the promise of extensive government support and financing.

For example, rival air taxi firm Archer Aviation similarly plans to fly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where, despite Joby’s claim to exclusive air taxi operator rights, Archer CEO Adam Goldstein believes the competitors can coexist.

“We believe we will be able to operate [in Dubai], and we will have a strong hub out of Abu Dhabi,” Goldstein told FLYING in March. “We’re glad to see Joby coming to the region and leaning in, because we think it’s a good early market for eVTOL players to start.”

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UAM manufacturers—many of them based in the U.S.—are developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) planes, and other outlandish aircraft with unique propulsion sources and flight characteristics. These companies have garnered billions in investments and the support of key airline partners, such as United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

No market has been more welcoming, however, than the United Arab Emirates, UAM manufacturers told FLYING in April at the inaugural DriftX—a two-day event in Abu Dhabi that showcased the latest technology in air, land, and sea transportation.

“There’s nowhere on earth that’s been as positive or receptive to what we’re doing here,” said Nikhil Goel, chief commercial officer of eVTOL air taxi manufacturer Archer Aviation.

Help From Above

Archer and other manufacturers cited partnership opportunities with UAE leadership as a major draw for them to bring their services to the country. Goel said he personally has been visiting the UAE for about a decade, dating back to his time with Uber’s short-lived eVTOL venture, Uber Elevate. Even then, the government welcomed the idea of UAM with open arms.

“Back then it was a dream,” Goel said. “Today, it’s here.”

Archer and fellow eVTOL air taxi manufacturer Joby Aviation, which also has long-standing ties with Emirati leaders, hope to launch service in the UAE as early as 2025—the same year they expect their aircraft to begin operations in major U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The companies claim these offerings will be cost-competitive with ground-based rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft.

• READ MORE: Archer Bringing Electric Air Taxis to Los Angeles by 2026

Archer, Joby, and other manufacturers have signed agreements with UAE government and state-backed entities, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Within them are incentives for hundreds of millions in funding to build ecosystems for eVTOL aircraft.

“There’s been a lot of interest in the region—both here in Abu Dhabi and in Dubai—in this idea of air taxis and what this type of flying mobility can do, for quite a while,” said Eric Allison, chief product officer of Joby.

Chinese manufacturer EHang—which in October achieved the world’s first eVTOL air taxi type certification—and electric seaglider manufacturer Regent Craft are also working with UAE government and state-backed organizations.

“You see what the region is doing with the eVTOLs, with mobility, with building and construction in general…and we’ve only felt supported,” said Billy Thalheimer, CEO of Regent.

Archer, Joby, EHang, Regent, and others have joined Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster—a collection of government-backed research and development, testing, and manufacturing facilities within the city. Already, several of them have committed to produce aircraft within SAVI.

Abdulla Al Marzouqi, director general of Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Center—an affiliate of the Emirate’s Department of Municipalities and Transport—said UAE leaders believe UAM technology will be widespread in the future. They’re looking to get ahead of the curve by attracting both manufacturers and private investors.

• READ MORE: Joby Applies for Air Taxi Certification in Australia

Al Marzouqi said the UAE has made climate policy a priority, creating a favorable regulatory environment for UAM companies. The country aims to achieve net-zero emissions across all industries by 2050, with regulations around renewable energies such as green hydrogen already in place.

Henry Hooi, CEO of eSTOL manufacturer Volar Air Mobility—which in April announced its plans to fly in the UAE—said these policies make the country “a fantastic hub for the potential development of green aviation in the region.”

Long term, Al Marzouqi said the government intends to enact UAM regulations across the Emirates. In the meantime, it will continue to invest in existing transportation technologies to bridge the gap as eVTOL air taxis and other outlandish aircraft come online.

The strategy so far has garnered results. In April, ADIO unveiled the UAE’s first operational vertiport, a temporary installation at DriftX. Vertiports, akin to heliports, are designed to accommodate eVTOL and other electric aircraft with infrastructure such as charging stations. The country also hosted the Middle East’s first passenger-carrying eVTOL demo in May, completed by EHang.

Sooner Rather Than Later

UAE leaders have an urgency to deploy eVTOL and other novel aircraft “sooner [rather] than later,” said Allison, which is an attractive proposition for UAM manufacturers.

Both Joby and Archer, for example, claim they will be ready to fly in the country by 2025—the year they expect to obtain FAA type certification. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, said in October that his agency expects to approve Archer air taxi flights as soon as the company secures the equivalent authorization in the U.S.

Archer CEO Adam Goldstein earlier this year told Aerospace America, “In the UAE, they can make decisions much different than what the regulators here can do.”

• READ MORE: Minnesota’s ‘Jetson Law’ Green-Lights Flying Cars on Roads

Goel told FLYING: “I think it’s really about the attitude. [In the UAE], everyone says, ‘How fast can we get here? What can we do to help?’ There’s nowhere else in the world that’s got that sort of attitude.”

Set Up for Success

Certification is top of mind for UAE leaders. But a massive chunk of the government’s investment is going toward preparing the nation’s infrastructure for an influx of UAM aircraft.

Al Marqouzi said the idea is to set companies up for success by installing vertiports, electric chargers, and other infrastructure before the aircraft begin flying. He said the country is already building a network of electric aircraft charging stations, for example.

In December 2022, the UAE government agreed to a three-year, $40 million investment to build a UAM flight testing and development hub in partnership with VPorts. The same month, it published what it believes to be the world’s first national vertiport regulations. 

In February 2023, Dubai crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved plans to develop a nationwide vertiport network by 2026. Construction on the nation’s first fully operational vertiport at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (OMRK), led by VPorts, is already underway. Another partner, Skyports, is building a site at Dubai International Airport (OMDB).

• READ MORE: Archer Agrees to Potential Air Taxi Sale Worth $580M

U.S. manufacturers are also working directly with these vertiport companies. Joby, for example, is collaborating with Skyports to design, build, and operate three additional vertiport sites in Dubai. Archer and partner Falcon have a similar arrangement, covering locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“We need there to be lots of places to take off and land,” said Allison. “And the key to making that possible is to make the infrastructure rapidly deployable and very economical…We’re working on designs for modular infrastructure with integrated ground support equipment that can be very rapidly and efficiently and economically deployed to retrofit existing infrastructure in places like parking garages.”

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, for example, have a combined 350 helipads, according to Archer. By simply installing aircraft charging equipment, those sites could become UAM hubs.

“There’s already a lot of existing infrastructure all over the country in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi,” said Goel. “And so as we look at that, we say, ‘A’, we can use that existing infrastructure to our benefit, and ‘B’, there’s a lot of opportunity to build new infrastructure.”

However, Allison acknowledged that there remains “a lot of work that needs to be done to build the ecosystem.”

Market Potential

Beyond the obvious benefits of government support and investment, UAM companies are enticed by the UAE for several reasons.

One unstated reason may be the prevalence of wealth. While Archer, Joby, and other players bill their services as affordable, it could take time for them to become accessible to the average consumer. And the UAE, despite a population composed largely of migrant workers, ranks sixth in the world in GDP per capita. In other words, the country has plenty of premium customers.

“Everyone I’ve talked to here is just salivating at the prospect of being able to get from downtown Dubai to downtown Abu Dhabi in 30 minutes,” said Allison, who noted the UAE’s “incredible economic growth.”

Thalheimer said that Regent was drawn to the country by “a combination of geography, market demands, and then sort of a pro-business and forward leaning approach on innovation and mobility.”

He characterized the UAE as a massive market in the geographical center of the Eastern Hemisphere, rife with coastal population centers. For manufacturers with global ambitions, such as Regent, establishing a presence in such a location can aid in expansion.

“I know that the UAE is going to lead the way,” said Goel. “I know we’re going to be in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and all across the seven emirates. We see an opportunity to scale hundreds of vehicles across the country, and then take what we learn here and spread it all across the Middle East.” 

This feature first appeared in the July/August Issue 949 of the FLYING print edition.

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The manufacturer on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mukamalah Aviation—a subsidiary of state-owned oil and gas company Saudi Aramco that according to Joby operates the world’s largest fleet of corporate aircraft—to introduce its eVTOL air taxi in the country.

Mukamalah serves 13 airports across Saudi Arabia with multiple fleets comprising a total of 55 aircraft. The operator manages nine of these locations in addition to more than 300 onshore and offshore helipads.

JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, and Captain Khalid Al Natour, CEO of Mukamalah, signed the agreement, which may culminate in the direct sale of Joby aircraft to Mukamalah, at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh.

The MOU builds on Joby’s agreements with the leadership of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to fly in the neighboring United Arab Emirates—which is quickly becoming a hot spot for eVTOL activity—as early as 2025.

“Saudi Arabia presents a remarkable opportunity for our technology, and the scope and scale of Mukamalah’s operations make them a natural partner for us,” said Bevirt.

Joby’s flagship air taxi is designed for a pilot to fly as many as four passengers at up to 200 mph (174 knots), with a range of 100 sm (87 nm). Flights will largely be based out of vertiports installed at locations such as airports and hotels, generating a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters, the manufacturer says.

The company intends to operate its own aircraft in markets such as the U.S. and UAE, contrasting with competitors such as Archer Aviation. But Joby says the direct sale of aircraft to operating partners, such as Mukamalah, is part of its commercialization strategy.

The agreement will include Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and other local aviation stakeholders “to expedite Joby’s entry into the Saudi Arabia market.”

“We are proud to be working together with Joby and Mukamalah on the regulatory framework necessary to support the introduction of eVTOL aircraft,” said a GACA spokesperson. “These initiatives will help the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia meet its climate goals and steer the nation towards a sustainable future.”

Joby first announced its plans to fly in the Middle East in February, signing a definitive agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi operations in the UAE as soon as 2025. 

The company said the partnership gives it “exclusive” rights to operate air taxis in the Emirate of Dubai for six years following the start of service. However, competitor Archer Aviation—which has its own plans for Dubai and the UAE—believes it will have no issue operating in the Emirate.

Joby expanded its plans for the UAE to Abu Dhabi in April, partnering with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and other local stakeholders to establish its services nationwide. The company teased the possibility of air taxi routes connecting the nation’s two largest cities, offering 30-minute trips.

ADIO is also collaborating closely with Archer, EHang, and other eVTOL manufacturers eyeing service in the country, offering them financial incentives to localize manufacturing and other operations.

As Emirati leaders push to make the nation a leader in urban air mobility (UAM), it appears the Saudi government may have a similar goal.

The Arab Center Washington DC characterizes the relationship between the two countries as a “rift,” driven by a desire to become the dominant economic power in the region. Both nations rely heavily on their oil industries and have turned to tourism to diversify revenues.

Saudi Arabia made sustainability a pillar of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the country’s oil-dependent economy. Saudi leaders hope to reach net-zero carbon emissions across all industries by 2060 and have already enacted regulations, such as around hydrogen production, to help get there.

“Over the past years, we have already invested in a more sustainable future, including taking steps in sustainable aviation fuel [SAF] testing, supporting the development of hydrogen solutions in the aviation ecosystem, and supporting the Kingdom’s green initiatives by delivering sustainable aviation solutions,” said Al Natour.

Earlier this year, The Helicopter and Jet Company, a Saudi state-owned commercial helicopter operator, partnered with Houston-based Bristow Group to explore the introduction of eVTOL aircraft in the country. Bristow has orders for as many as 50 such models from Vertical Aerospace and as many as 55 from Beta Technologies, as well as up to 50 Electra.aero hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.

German manufacturers Volocopter and Lilium are also eyeing eVTOL networks in Saudi Arabia. The former received an order for 10 VoloCity aircraft to be flown in the planned industrial, residential, and tourist zone of Neom, while the latter agreed to sell as many as 100 eVTOL jets to Saudi flag carrier Saudia.

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Chinese eVTOL manufacturer EHang on Monday said its self-flying EH216-S completed an inaugural passenger-carrying demonstration flight in the Middle East, marking just the second time such an aircraft has flown human passengers. EHang’s EH216-F for high-rise firefighting and EH216-L for aerial logistics—which together with the company’s autonomous air taxi comprise the EH family of aircraft—also made debut flights in the region.

The landmark flights, approved by the United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), took place at the Emirates Falcons Aviation Club in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of government officials, civil aviation authorities, and even members of the Emirati royal families.

The EH216-S completed the world’s first passenger-carrying eVTOL demonstration in China in December, the same month EHang committed to a UAE expansion. The air taxi is the first of its kind to obtain type, airworthiness, and production certification—which together are considered essential for the launch of commercial eVTOL operations—from a civil aviation authority.

In the U.S., Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, and other eVTOL manufacturers are pursuing type certification with the FAA, but none have achieved the milestone so far.

“After securing the approval for passenger-carrying demo flights and conducting the debut flight, we will actively foster collaboration and communication between the GCAA and the Civil Aviation Administration of China [CAAC] to expedite the progress towards commercial flights of our pilotless aircraft in the UAE,” said Huazhi Hu, founder, CEO, and chairman of EHang.

The passenger for EH216-S’s maiden voyage in the Middle East was Mohamed Al Dhaheri, a board member of Multi Level Group (MLG), a fintech conglomerate serving the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

“Being part of this historic moment is truly exhilarating,” said Al Dhaheri. “The seamless integration of technology and aviation represents a significant leap forward for our nation, and as an Emirati, I am proud to be a part of it.”

EHang, MLG, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)—the central government authority supporting private sector growth in the Emirate—last month signed a trilateral agreement to incorporate the manufacturer’s aircraft into the UAE’s transportation system at the inaugural DriftX, a two-day conference and showcase in Abu Dhabi.

DriftX was sponsored by both ADIO and Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster, a collection of government-supported, state-of-the-art facilities and services within the city dedicated to developing new technologies in air, land, and sea transportation. The event was attended by many high-ranking Emirati officials and royals, including from the ruling Al Nahyan family.

Present on the show floor were aircraft developed by EHang, Archer, Joby, and other manufacturers that have announced plans to fly in the UAE, which is rapidly becoming a hot spot for eVTOL air taxis and other novel aircraft designs. EHang completed several uncrewed demonstration flights at the event, including the debut overseas flight of its long-range VT-30, which is expected to complement the EH216-S’s intracity operations with city-to-city routes.

Like Archer, the Chinese manufacturer is aiming to set up a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi with the assistance of the ADIO. It will pursue local partners to assist in manufacturing, flight operations, research and development, training and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

“ADIO continues to work with leading global players to accelerate the adoption of smart and autonomous vehicles across air, land and sea,” said Badr Al-Olama, director general of the ADIO. “Our collaboration with Multi Level Group, and air mobility leaders such as EHang, will play a key role in driving Abu Dhabi’s efforts in promoting eVTOLs.”

On Monday, EHang said it is “actively engaged in the design and establishment of eVTOL vertiports, in swift preparation for launching commercial UAM routes.”

MLG, which specializes in digital transformation and developing emerging technologies, is a subsidiary of EIH Ethmar International Holding, the Abu Dhabi royal-led investment holding company that also owns EHang partner Wings Logistics Hub.

EHang and Wings in December signed a long-term strategic partnership focused on eVTOL certification and operations, marking the Chinese manufacturer’s entry into the Middle East. Wings also agreed to purchase up to 100 EH series aircraft, several of which were on display at DriftX with the company’s branding.

Archer has similar arrangements with operators Falcon Aviation and Air Chateau, while Joby intends to operate its own aircraft.

EHang in December also became a member of Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster, joining fellow eVTOL air taxi manufacturers Archer and Joby. In addition to research and development facilities, the company says SAVI will provide it access to “existing infrastructure within Abu Dhabi for testing and certification, large scale workshops, hangars, and manufacturing facilities,” it says.

SAVI and other UAE government initiatives, such as the Integrated Transport Center (ITC) within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, are part of a massive push by the country to become the leader in advanced air mobility (AAM) tech.

Abdulla Al Marzouqi, director general of the ITC, told FLYING at DriftX that the UAE’s financial and investment ecosystem, clear environmental policies, and existing and planned infrastructure, such as vertiports, are key factors that make the region a prime market for AAM.

Beyond eVTOL air taxis, the country is also looking to introduce novel designs such as electric seagliders and electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.

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Hong Kong-based Volar Air Mobility, a company developing a fossil fuel-free aerial ride hailing platform that will use electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft developed by a partner in China, is one of the latest to signal interest in the UAE.

The firm signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Abu Dhabi-based Inovartic Investment, laying the groundwork for a partnership that would commercialize a family of zero-emission aircraft in the country.

Agreed upon in advance of the inaugural DriftX—an Abu Dhabi-based conference that last week showcased cutting-edge technology in air, land, and sea transportation—the collaboration will cover aircraft distribution, post-sale services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), crew training, and, potentially, manufacturing and assembly capabilities in the UAE.

“This partnership marks a significant step towards integrating sustainable technologies in aviation, which is crucial for environmental conservation and technological advancement,” said Henry Hooi, CEO of Volar. “This aligns with the goals as outlined in the ‘UAE’s Net Zero by 2050’ agenda.”

Volar seeks to commercialize aircraft that are safe to fly, affordable, and offer on-demand flexibility and zero carbon emissions: a set of criteria it dubs “SAFE.” Its goal is to enhance regional accessibility to private aviation in suburban areas, where environmental concerns and existing aircraft configurations can make traditional airline operations impractical.

Volar’s proprietary, aircraft-agnostic platform is designed to facilitate air taxi ride hailing, complete with booking, check-in, and flight status updates. The first aircraft to join its fleet will be the RX4E: a four-seat eSTOL design being developed by partners at Liaoning General Aviation Academy, which works with the Chinese state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerate Aviation Industry Corporation of China.

The RX4E is built for one pilot plus four passengers, with a maximum takeoff weight just under 2,650 pounds. It will have a range of about 186 sm (162 nm) and cruise speed of 124 mph (108 knots). Batteries can be swapped out in about 10 minutes, minimizing downtime.

Volar deliberately picked an eSTOL configuration over an eVTOL or a drone for several reasons, Hooi told FLYING at DriftX. For one, Hooi said, it offers greater range and endurance. In addition, the company claims on its website that the RX4E will be more affordable and offer greater time savings compared to “conventional” private aviation options. One of the biggest benefits, though, is ease of certification.

“We believe that, from a regulatory perspective, eSTOL will be quicker to be adopted,” Hooi told FLYING.

The RX4E first flew in 2019 and is in the type certification process with China’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAC). Volar claims the design will be the first commercial four-seat electric aircraft with Part 23 certification, which it expects to obtain by year’s end.

Unlike the tiltrotor designs common in the eVTOL space, Volar’s eSTOL uses a fixed configuration. The company says this will allow it to leverage regulatory frameworks similar to those for existing fixed-wing models.

The design also lacks the unique infrastructure needs of eVTOL aircraft, such as vertiports. In fact, Volar could reduce infrastructure requirements for operators, owing to the eSTOL’s ability to operate from shorter runways. According to Hooi, the company is developing models that can land on land, snow, or water.

Use cases for the eSTOL overlap somewhat with those proposed for eVTOL designs: private aviation, interisland transport, eco-tourism, medical logistics and evacuation, and services in rural areas with limited road infrastructure, to name a few.

But unlike many eVTOL air taxi companies, Volar’s focus is on the developing world, where it believes zero-emission aircraft can derive regional sustainability, accessibility, and economic benefits from aviation.

The firm envisions operations primarily in regions considered part of the “Global South.” It will first launch in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, a bloc of 10 nations that the company finds attractive due to its rapid economic growth and proximity to mainland China. After that, it will expand into African and Middle Eastern countries, such as the UAE.

“We fundamentally believe that the UAE is a fantastic hub for the potential development of green aviation in the region,” said Hooi.

Hooi said, for example, that he was recently approached with a proposition from a regional government in Southeast Asia. One of the country’s tourism sites lies atop an active volcano, requiring a three-day hike to reach it. The site is visited by as many as 100,000 tourists annually, who often leave a trail of rubbish in their wake.

Volar proposed flying tourists to the top of the volcano using an electric seaplane. Hooi said this could reduce the amount of trash on the trails and attract additional tourists by opening access to people incapable of making the three-day trek. He also suggested that by reducing travel time to the summit, visitors might spend more money at local restaurants and bars, bringing more economic activity to countries that rely heavily on tourism.

“You and I are not going to make an iota of difference if we cannot engage the rest of our communities to participate in collectively working towards a green environment,” Hooi said.

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Regent on Thursday announced it has signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transportation (DMT), with an eye toward building an electric seaglider ecosystem in the UAE. The manufacturer is targeting a “pilot operational campaign” in the country within the next few years.

The announcement was made at the inaugural DriftX, a two-day conference in Abu Dhabi showcasing the latest innovations in air, land, and sea transportation. The ADIO is one of the event’s main sponsors.

“With our growing backlog of $9 billion in seaglider orders rapidly spreading throughout the Gulf, the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific, and Europe, we need a way to effectively manufacture and deliver seagliders across the Eastern Hemisphere,” said Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO of Regent. “We have been thrilled by the dedicated and rapid support of ADIO.”

Thalheimer told FLYING at DriftX that Regent believes the Middle East, which is flush with large cities lining coastal areas, is a key geographical market. As a company with global ambitions, it views Abu Dhabi—which sits near the center of the world’s hemispheric divide—as an ideal hub for manufacturing and other facilities.

Regent’s flagship, zero-emission seaglider, Viceroy, seats up to 12 passengers. With existing battery technology, the aircraft is capable of flying routes as long as 180 sm (156 nm) on a single charge. But the manufacturer predicts it will one day have a range of 500 sm (435 nm) as batteries improve.

Viceroy is designed to combine the speed of an aircraft (cruising at 180 mph or 156 knots) with the functionality and low operating cost of a boat. It will serve almost exclusively coastal regions and use existing dock infrastructure, flying 20 to 30 feet above the water using ground effect. Propulsion both in the air and on the water comes from the aircraft’s on-wing propellers, allowing the aircraft to move both forward and backward.

Interestingly, Viceroy operators are actually maritime captains—the vehicle’s only controls are boat controls, which are simpler than those on most aircraft. When flying, the captain can make the aircraft perform a left turn, for example, using these simplified controls. Landing is accomplished with the push of a button. But Regent will offer a roughly six-week training course that awards graduates with a seaglider endorsement, according to Thalheimer.

“I’m a pilot. A lot of our founding team members are pilots. And so much of pilot training is learning the feel, the stick and rudder, the takeoff, the flare,” Thalheimer told FLYING at DriftX. “You don’t need to do any of that in this vehicle because of the automatic flight control system that we’ve built.”

With ADIO, Regent will collaborate to localize seaglider development and manufacturing capabilities within Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster, with the expectation that local manufacturing capabilities will be in place by the end of the decade.

SAVI, unveiled last year by ADIO and the Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development (ADDED), comprises an urban hub of state-of-the-art facilities and services dedicated to advancing all forms of transportation within the Emirate.

“With immense speed and efficiency, I’m confident Abu Dhabi will see the global deployment of electric seagliders, and these will dramatically change how goods and people move between the world’s coastal areas going forward,” said Badr Al-Olama, director general of ADIO.

ADIO will also assist Regent with workforce development, supply chain efficiency, vehicle integration, and aircraft delivery infrastructure support.

Regent’s collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s DMT will largely center on the integration of electric seagliders into the UAE’s existing transportation network. The partners will focus on “high impact routes,” such as between the cities of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, at the country’s northern tip. Another example might be service between the Abu Dhabi mainland and the islands of Dalma and Sir Bani Yas, located more than 100 miles outside the city of Abu Dhabi.

Regent unveiled its first full-scale electric seaglider mockup in April 2023. Already, it says it has secured more than 600 aircraft orders, including one from Mesa Airlines—which works closely with United Airlines—for 200 aircraft.

Regent views coastal passenger transport as the biggest opportunity for its seaglider. However, the company also sees applications in sightseeing, cargo delivery, offshore logistics, maritime patrol, and more. All of these could potentially be developed in the UAE.

In 2022, Lockheed Martin Ventures and Yamato Holdings, a Japanese logistics and parcel delivery firm, made strategic investments in Regent. Lockheed Martin said its investment is meant to speed the development of seagliders for defense applications specifically.

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At the inaugural DriftX conference in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, both headquartered in California, signed agreements with Abu Dhabi government agencies to introduce their respective air taxis in the Emirate.

Archer signed a framework agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), which the company says includes hundreds of millions of dollars in investments, to commercialize its flagship Midnight air taxi in the UAE, with a commercial launch as early as next year.

Joby also is eyeing a 2025 launch in the UAE. On Thursday, the company signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU), with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and Department of Culture and Tourism. The collaboration would establish Joby air taxi services in the Emirate and elsewhere within the country.

The companies signed their respective agreements at DriftX, a new, two-day mobility conference in Abu Dhabi backed by ADIO and the city’s Sustainable and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster. SAVI, of which both Archer and Joby are members, is an initiative that seeks to transform the Emirate’s transportation by air, land, and sea.

Archer’s collaboration further will focus on in-country aircraft manufacturing operations and eVTOL pilot training, which has different requirements than those for most other aircraft. The ADIO, in collaboration with Archer and other partners, will also build vertiports in “critical locations” throughout Abu Dhabi.

“This substantial agreement with Abu Dhabi is a pivotal moment for Archer’s commercialization efforts across the Emirates, as it provides the catalyst to accelerate the launch of our electric air taxi service in the UAE as soon as late 2025,” said Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer.

ADIO will further help Archer establish an international headquarters and engineering “Center of Excellence” in Abu Dhabi, which were proposed under a previous agreement. Plans for a production facility in the city, which would be aided by automobile manufacturing partner Stellantis, are also in the works.

These facilities and others are expected to attract local Emirati talent through an ADIO-established workforce development plan.

“We are excited to support Archer toward establishing its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi and to develop a comprehensive investment framework that will accelerate its progress towards manufacturing and operating its Midnight aircraft in the UAE,” said Badr Al-Olama, director general of the ADIO.

Archer also has the backing of Mubadala Capital, a UAE state-owned sovereign wealth fund, and operational partnerships with local firms Falcon Aviation and Air Chateau. The latter in November signed an MOU to purchase 100 Midnight air taxis.

Joby, meanwhile, is setting its sights on Abu Dhabi for the first time following a prior agreement with the Emirate of Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA). The company says the arrangement gives it exclusive rights to operate air taxis in the Emirate for six years, beginning with its planned launch in 2025.

The deal caused a stir within the eVTOL industry. But Archer has offered some pushback.

“I do not believe it will impact our operations in Dubai or our ambitions in Dubai,” Goldstein told FLYING in March. “We believe we will be able to operate there, and we will have a strong hub out of Abu Dhabi. We’re glad to see Joby coming to the region and leaning in, because we think it’s a good early market for eVTOL players to start.”

Joby teased the possibility of inter-Emirate routes, such as between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but these would require a sign-off from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt said at DriftX that the company has been collaborating closely with the GCAA for the past six years, working within a framework that builds on FAA standards. But it will need to complete some additional testing and a review process with the regulator.

“Today’s agreement demonstrates the incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE,” said Bevirt. “We’re looking forward to delivering a fantastic experience for our future customers in Abu Dhabi, and we’re excited to be unlocking the potential for zero-emissions flight between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.”

Goldstein and Bevirt at DriftX spoke about what brought Archer and Joby to Abu Dhabi, citing the Emirate’s existing infrastructure and “unprecedented” (per Bevirt) partnership opportunities as draws. Both CEOs said Emirati officials and communities may be enticed by the value creation aspect of vertiports, claiming that their installation will increase real estate value in surrounding areas.

Both companies emphasized the necessity of partnerships. As Goldstein put it, “we won’t be able to do it alone” when it comes to building the ecosystem surrounding their aircraft.

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The company on Monday expanded its partnership with Emirati aviation services provider Falcon Aviation to build a vertiport network for eVTOL air taxi operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the two largest cities in the UAE. San Jose, California-based Archer expects the UAE to be its first international launch market.

Archer and Falcon initially agreed upon a deal that would see Falcon operate “scores” of Midnight aircraft across the UAE and expand the former’s urban air mobility (UAM) ecosystem. The collaboration includes the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the city’s central government hub for investment.

Archer believes it is the first to announce an eVTOL air taxi route between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which it said is “one of the world’s most prominent and congested commute corridors.” The manufacturer estimated flights will last 30 minutes: a fraction of the two hours it could take to drive between the cities during peak traffic.

“Partnering with established operators such as Falcon Aviation, as well as the capital of the Emirates with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, has been key to quickly building our presence in the region,” said Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein. “We look forward to paving the way for the introduction of our Midnight aircraft to the region, which will set the stage for the UAE to become a global leader in urban air mobility.”

Preparing for (Vertical) Takeoff

Falcon last week upgraded its heliport terminal at Atlantis, The Palm, in Dubai, a hub for sightseeing trips above the city’s skyline. The terminal also provides helicopter charter flights between the hotel and Abu Dhabi, as well as other nearby cities. As early as next year, Falcon will operate Midnight out of that site and its Marina Mall heliport in Abu Dhabi.

The vertiports will connect the two cities with routes almost entirely over water, providing scenic views for passengers. At the same time, Archer claims Midnight will be quieter, safer, and more affordable than comparable helicopters.

“For nearly two decades, Falcon Aviation has been at the forefront of helicopter passenger transport in the UAE,” said Ramandeep Oberoi, CEO of Falcon. “Our partnership with Archer is a leap into the future, as we prepare to offer flying car services together in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, continuing our tradition of world-class transportation solutions.”

Archer’s vision is for Midnight to swap 60-90-minute commutes by car for back-to-back, 10-30-minute electric air taxi flights, with only 10-12 minutes of charge time between. Designed for a pilot plus up to four passengers, the aircraft has a range of 52 sm (45 nm) and cruise speed of 130 knots.

In addition to service in the U.S. in partnership with United Airlines, Archer intends to serve the entire UAE and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

“We have made rapid progress in the UAE over the past three months since announcing Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be home to our first international Midnight flights as soon as 2025,” said Nikhil Goel, chief commercial officer of Archer. “We’re proud to be the first to announce plans to operate between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with vertiport infrastructure at both ends of the commuter journey.”

The ADIO, which is supporting Archer’s UAE launch with economic incentives, last year agreed to host the company’s engineering and manufacturing facilities within the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster, an urban hub designed to speed the development of new land, air, and sea vehicles. Manufacturing partner Stellantis—which will support Midnight mass production and is aiding the construction of Archer’s scaled manufacturing plant in Covington, Georgia—will help build them.

Archer last year also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Emirati private heliport operator Air Chateau International for the planned purchase of 100 Midnight air taxis, which Air Chateau will operate regionwide. The partners are further exploring infrastructure investments, such as for vertiports and electric aircraft chargers, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Complicating matters somewhat is the presence of eVTOL air taxi competitor Joby Aviation.

Joby last month signed an agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA)—the government entity that regulates the city’s public transport—for the exclusive right to operate electric air taxi services in Dubai for six years following the launch of service. That’s expected to happen in 2025 or 2026.

However, while it sounds like the arrangement would prevent Joby’s competitors from flying in Dubai, Archer CEO Adam Goldstein told FLYING that will not be the case.

“I do not believe it will impact our operations in Dubai or our ambitions in Dubai,” said Goldstein. “We believe we will be able to operate there, and we will have a strong hub out of Abu Dhabi. We’re glad to see Joby coming to the region and leaning in, because we think it’s a good early market for eVTOL players to start.”

By stepping up the company’s partnership with Falcon, the Archer CEO is putting his money where his mouth is. Vertiport infrastructure is not cheap, and Archer likely would not pursue it if it believed Dubai to be off the table.

Falcon in 2022 also purchased 35 air taxis from Embraer subsidiary Eve Air Mobility, with the companies announcing plans to launch eVTOL tourism flights in Dubai. China’s EHang and Germany’s Lilium are among other air taxi manufacturers looking to operate in the UAE.

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Joby Aviation, the manufacturer of a five-seat eVTOL design, has signed a definitive agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA), the government entity that regulates the city’s public transport, to launch air taxi operations in the UAE by early 2026, targeting initial service in 2025. The agreement gives Joby exclusive rights to operate air taxis in Dubai for six years, starting from the launch of commercial operations.

Notably, the news follows competitor Archer Aviation’s announcement that it too is planning a UAE expansion in 2026. The manufacturer partnered with local operator Falcon Aviation, which previously stated that it would operate Archer’s Midnight air taxi across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Falcon in 2022 also purchased 35 air taxis from Embraer subsidiary Eve Air Mobility, noting that it planned to launch eVTOL tourism flights in Dubai.

Archer further announced the planned sale of 100 aircraft to Dubai-based operator Air Chateau for $500 million, which intends to service both cities.

While the operational partners of Archer, Eve, and other manufacturers will still be able to fly air taxis in the UAE, only Joby will be authorized to operate in the Dubai region, it said.

“We are excited by Joby’s recent announcement to join Archer in bringing electric air taxis to the UAE region in 2026,” Archer said in a statement to FLYING. “We continue to build on the launch plans we announced last year with our long-term investors, Mubadala, the support of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and several local operating partners, including Falcon Aviation, Air Chateau, and GAL & AMMROC [Global Aerospace Logistics – Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Center].”

Signed in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, at the World Governments Summit, Joby’s agreement secures financial assistance and other support from RTA for the entry and maturation of operations in the city.

Joby also signed an agreement with Skyports, which will design, build, and operate four initial vertiport sites across Dubai. The three partners settled on Dubai International Airport (OMDB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Dubai Downtown as launch locations.

“[This] landmark agreement delivers on all three ingredients required to successfully launch an air taxi service—a definitive path to operations, well-placed infrastructure supported by dedicated partners, and an aircraft with the capacity and range to deliver meaningful journeys,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby. “We’re excited to be laying the groundwork for the expansion of our service across the wider UAE.”

Joby’s zero-emission air taxi is designed for a pilot to fly up to four passengers on 100 sm (87 nm) trips at speeds up to 200 mph (174 knots). Unlike its competitors, the company plans to operate the aircraft itself. Archer, for example, intends for partner United Airlines to do the flying. Joby, meanwhile, is working with Delta Air Lines to launch service out of New York and Los Angeles in 2025.

According to Joby and RTA, a journey from Dubai International Airport to the Palm Jumeirah—a 45-minute trip by car—is expected to take just 10 minutes by air taxi. The partners are working with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to develop a regulatory framework for the aircraft’s introduction, building upon FAA guidelines.

“The air taxi service is part of RTA’s efforts to embrace future transportation technologies and offers a novel and efficient mobility option for Dubai’s residents and visitors, enabling fast, safe, and convenient travel to key city spots,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors for RTA. “This service will also enhance seamless multimodal transportation, improving citywide connectivity and ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers.”

Joby, RTA, and Skyports are now collaborating to design the customer journey, engage stakeholders, and integrate air taxis into Dubai’s wider public transport network. Joby in addition has established a Dubai operational team composed largely of local recruits. It added that it would consider localizing its other business activities in Dubai and the Middle East, which it evidently views as a potentially key market.

The manufacturer will participate in the recently announced Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster established by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), of which Archer is also a member.

Separately, the firm said it will continue its internal flight testing and type certification activities. In November, its production prototype became the first electric air taxi to fly in New York City, taking off from downtown Manhattan. The previous month it began uncrewed flight testing, an important step toward certification.

Joby’s exclusive agreement with RTA could hinder the plans of Archer, Eve, and other competitors. Those companies have announced plans to fly outside of Dubai as well. But the RTA’s decision to tap Joby as the city’s sole air taxi provider will take away—at least for a few years—what appears to be a burgeoning market for future air mobility services.

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Chinese manufacturer EHang, which obtained the watershed approval for its EH216-S air taxi in October, intends to expand operations to the United Arab Emirates through a long-term strategic collaboration with Wings Logistics Hub. The partners will work toward local certification and operations for several EH216 series models, and Wings plans to purchase up to 100 aircraft. Deliveries will begin in 2024, EHang said.

Wings is the passenger eVTOL and logistics technology subsidiary of Technology Holding Company (THC), the tech arm of investment management firm EIH Ethmar International Holding. Ethmar is chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, one of the sons of Abu Dhabi ruler and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, better known as MbZ.

It appears Wings is a relatively new banner for Ethmar and THC, which does not yet list the brand as a subsidiary on its website. The company bills itself as a provider of smart logistics, advanced air mobility (AAM), and smart city solutions, including passenger eVTOL services, vertiports, and urban air mobility (UAM) corridors.

“Introducing electric aviation to the UAE is anticipated to alleviate congestion with zero emissions and, consequently, attract significant foreign direct investment and generate thousands of jobs in the region over the next decade,” said Mohamed Al Dhaheri, a Wings board member and the CEO of THC. “[We] remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing smart and autonomous vehicle technologies for passenger transportation, mobility, logistics, and smart city management in the UAE.”

As part of its expansion, EHang will join the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) Cluster, an urban hub centered in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City community. SAVI, which launched in October, aims to speed the development of new vehicles across air, land, and sea, and is backed by several Emirati royals. The initiative is led by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), for which Al Dhaheri briefly served as acting executive director.

Earlier this year, a pair of American eVTOL makers—Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation—also joined the SAVI Cluster. Archer plans to set up a new headquarters and engineering facility in the region with an eye toward a 2026 launch, while Joby intends to establish a significant footprint as well. In November, Archer announced the planned sale of 100 air taxis to Air Chateau International, an Emirati private heliport operator, for around $500 million.

In addition, EHang previously announced a partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to build a manufacturing plant in the city. The project aims to produce new aircraft, establish a regional command-and-control center, and build infrastructure such as vertiports.

The World’s First Electric Air Taxi

EHang’s expansion news comes just a few months after its self-flying, two-passenger EH216-S achieved type certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), making it the first manufacturer in the world with such an approval. As things stand, it remains the only firm to reach that milestone.

“For the industry, the first type certificate for an eVTOL aircraft is a major step forward, as it shows that a player has met the expectations around safety, reliability, etc. that the regulator imposes to protect the public,” Robin Riedel, who co-leads McKinsey’s Center for Future Mobility, told FLYING in October.

EHang’s autonomous design is a rarity in the eVTOL air taxi space, with most players choosing to fly with an onboard pilot in the early going. Its EH216-S has a 22 sm (19 nm) range and 80 mph (70 knots) cruise speed, both of which are on the lower side compared to other eVTOL air taxi designs.

The manufacturer’s type certification comes with a few key operational limitations—such as restrictions on routing, scheduling, and flights without visual observers—which it said it will gradually lift over time. As it prepares for customer deliveries, which are expected to begin this year, the company is working to obtain production and airworthiness certificates.

EHang is also developing the heavy-lift EH216-L and the firefighting EH216-F, both of which it intends to certify and deploy in the UAE.

The Middle East has seemingly become an increasingly attractive market for eVTOL manufacturers, in part due to the willingness of leaders to invest in AAM projects and experiment with new technologies for planned smart cities.

In December, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub announced a partnership with vertiport firm VPorts to build a 9-acre AAM integrator center. The hub would support eVTOL flight testing and development and is expected to open next year.

Already, the project has received an initial $40 million investment, and it’s expected to generate nearly $7 billion in revenue for Abu Dhabi and Dubai over the next 25 years.

UAE leaders also published the country’s first national vertiport regulations, and VPorts plans to build the first facility at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (OMRK) north of Dubai. The city’s crown prince in February approved plans to develop a nationwide vertiport network, working with the U.K.’s Skyports to develop widespread infrastructure by 2026. A concept for a facility at Dubai International Airport (OMDB) was unveiled in April.

In addition to Archer and Joby, another U.S. firm, Odys Aviation, hatched plans for service in the UAE in May. Embraer subsidiary Eve Air Mobility, based in Brazil, also intends to launch passenger eVTOL flights in Dubai by 2026. Eve has a preorder for 35 air taxis from Emirati operator Falcon Aviation, which is working with Archer.

EHang’s main competitor in China, AutoFlight, is also partnered with Falcon to bring its Prosperity eVTOL to the Middle East. Germany’s Lilium, meanwhile, picked up an order for 10 Pioneer Edition Jets from Dubai’s ArcosJet, which it announced as its exclusive dealer for private sales in the UAE, Israel, and Cyprus.

EHang is also targeting operations in Europe. In November, it announced plans to build a first-of-its-kind European UAM Center at Spain’s Lleida-Alguaire International Airport (LEDA). The center aims to prepare mainland Europe for UAM services by collecting data on early operations, which will be used to integrate eVTOL services with airport infrastructure, air traffic management systems, and other technologies.

Before flying in the Middle East or Europe, however, EHang will first need to wait for authorities to establish a process for mutual regulation of its CAAC approvals. Depending on the country and regulator, operational restrictions could be added or removed. But cementing the initial type certification should help EHang give authorities an idea of what early operations will entail.

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