Archer Aviation has teamed up with Saudi-based operators to launch electric vehicle takeoff and landing (eVTOL) test flights in Saudi Arabia while also evaluating the overall ecosystem readiness.
At the Dubai Airshow on November 19, 2025, eVTOL developer Archer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, and Red Sea Global (RSG).
The three entities will combine to create a “sandbox framework” to validate and accelerate next-generation Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) testing in Saudi Arabia.
This will include test flights with Archer’s Midnight eVTOL under real-world conditions to assess aircraft performance, operational feasibility, regulatory alignment and passenger acceptance.
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.
— Archer (@flyarcher) November 17, 2025
Red Sea Global is the company behind the regenerative tourism megaproject on the Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to welcome first guests before the end of the year.
Archer said that Red Sea Global 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,” said a spokesperson for Archer Aviation.
The MoU was signed at Dubai Airshow by Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, and Nikhil Goel and CCO of Archer Aviation.
“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,” said Archer Aviation’s founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein.
One of the reasons I’m at the @WhiteHouse today is to attend the U.S. – Saudi Investment Forum, which coincides with @FlyArcher’s selection by The Helicopter Company @THC_KSA, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund @PIF_en, to bring Midnight to the KSA to establish… pic.twitter.com/WdThuKMX18
— Adam Goldstein (@adamgoldstein13) November 19, 2025
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 General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia will also be involved throughout the process during testing and evaluation.
“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,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.
