The Helicopter Company, Red Sea Global, and Joby Aviation Partner to Advance eVTOL Mobility in Saudi Arabia

The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s premier commercial helicopter operator, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, and Joby Aviation, a U.S.-based company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, at this year’s Dubai Airshow. The partnership will focus on the development, testing, and potential integration of eVTOL aircraft into RSG’s operations. 

The signing took place during the Dubai Airshow 2025, marking a major step forward in the Kingdom’s efforts to explore and integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing (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 JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. 

In the initial phase of the agreement, Joby 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 assess aircraft performance, operational feasibility, regulatory alignment, passenger acceptance, and overall ecosystem readiness. 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. 

As the framework progresses, RSG will lead the sandbox testing 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.

eVTOL technology is redefining the future of transportation, and the Kingdom is making significant strides to turn this concept into reality. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation in aviation with the right partners,” said Captain Arnaud Martinez, 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, stated, “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 Joby, 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.”

“Saudi Arabia continues to lean in on the adoption of fast, clean and quiet air travel,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “We continue to leverage our proven market playbook by partnering with government and local operators to streamline expansion into new regions and prepare for the launch of the next generation of air mobility.”

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.

This 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.