Saudi Air Taxi Service Takes Off with Archer Aviation

Saudi air taxi service moves closer to reality as Saudi Arabia partners with Archer Aviation to launch safe, sustainable urban air mobility systems

Saudi Arabia is taking a decisive leap into the future of urban mobility with plans to introduce air taxi operations across its major cities. In partnership with US-based Archer Aviation, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork to integrate electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft into everyday transport, marking a significant milestone for the Saudi air taxi service as part of its broader aviation and smart city ambitions.

Paving the way for future urban travel

The announcement was made at the CoMotion Global Summit in Riyadh, where Saudi officials outlined how advanced air mobility could transform daily commuting. By enabling short, point-to-point aerial trips within dense urban areas, the Saudi air taxi service aims to cut travel times, ease road congestion, and offer a cleaner alternative to traditional transport. The initiative aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s national aviation roadmap and Vision 2030 goals, which prioritize innovation, sustainability, and global leadership in emerging technologies.

Authorities emphasized that air taxis are not being developed in isolation but as part of an integrated transport network that complements roads, rail, and existing aviation infrastructure.

Building regulations and safety systems

Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding, Saudi regulators and Archer Aviation will collaborate on developing and expanding rules for VTOL aircraft operations. A key focus will be aligning certification and safety standards with those of the US Federal Aviation Administration, ensuring international compliance and public confidence in the Saudi air taxi service.

The rollout will follow a phased approach. Initial stages include controlled test flights across different regions, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and detailed assessments of infrastructure needs such as vertiports, charging systems, and maintenance hubs. Public awareness campaigns are also planned to familiarize communities with how air taxis operate and what safety measures are in place.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership ambition

Capt. Suleiman Al-Muheimeed, Executive Vice President for Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at the General Authority of Civil Aviation, said the partnership strengthens the Kingdom’s capability to safely integrate VTOL aircraft into its national airspace. He noted that the program reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead globally in next-generation transport while ensuring environmental sustainability remains a priority.

By positioning itself early in the advanced air mobility sector, the Kingdom hopes to attract investment, talent, and technology partners that can accelerate innovation.

Archer Aviation backs the vision

Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein praised Saudi Arabia’s clear and proactive approach, describing it as a model for how governments can support emerging mobility solutions. He said early pilot operations and close regulatory alignment will help scale the Saudi air taxi service safely and efficiently, potentially serving millions of passengers in the coming years.

With regulatory frameworks taking shape, test flights on the horizon, and infrastructure planning underway, Saudi Arabia is steadily moving toward a future where the Saudi air taxi service becomes a practical and familiar part of city life.