Archer Aviation was selected by the Helicopter Company (THC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), to bring its Midnight air taxi to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in partnership with Red Sea Global (RSG), a major developer of regenerative tourism destinations.
The collaboration, formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Dubai Airshow, focuses on the development, testing, and potential integration of Archer’s electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft into RSG’s operations.
This marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s exploration of integrating eVTOL aircraft into its emerging mobility ecosystem. The MoU was signed by Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, and Nikhil Goel, CCO of Archer.
In the initial phase, Archer, THC, and RSG will collaborate to establish the foundational framework for planned eVTOL operations in Saudi Arabia. This effort includes creating a structured “sandbox” environment to conduct test flights with Archer’s Midnight eVTOL under real-world conditions. This testing environment is designed to assess the aircraft’s performance, operational feasibility, regulatory alignment, passenger acceptance, and overall ecosystem readiness.
The partners 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.
RSG will lead the sandbox testing with the Midnight aircraft to evaluate its potential for integration into the company’s future operations. Given RSG’s controlled airspace, sustainable infrastructure, and status as a flagship PIF developer, it is deemed a suitable platform for demonstrating the potential of advanced air mobility in supporting regenerative tourism and next-generation transportation options for the Kingdom.
Captain Arnaud Martinez stated, “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. Our partnership demonstrates confidence in emerging technologies, and a shared commitment to shaping a smarter, more connected tomorrow, together.”
John Pagano 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, added, “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.”
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. This partnership aligns with the ambitions of Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward sustainable, next-generation aviation, paving the way for cleaner, faster, and more connected modes of transport.
