The Helicopter Company (THC), Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity, has entered into a new partnership with Red Sea Global (RSG) and U.S.-based Joby Aviation to support the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) mobility in the Kingdom. The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during this year’s Dubai Airshow.

The agreement 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, during a ceremony held at THC’s stand at the event.

Under the terms of the MoU, the three organisations will work together on the early-stage development, testing and potential adoption of eVTOL aircraft within RSG’s destinations, including The Red Sea and AMAALA. Joby Aviation will support THC and RSG in shaping the initial operational framework required to introduce eVTOL services in Saudi Arabia.

This first phase will include creating a controlled testing environment to study aircraft performance, assess operational practicality, examine regulatory alignment, measure passenger acceptance, and evaluate overall market readiness. The partners will also trial advanced aerial technologies, assess long-term commercial partnership opportunities for wider deployment, and contribute to regional innovation in next-generation aviation.

Once the sandbox programme concludes, the parties intend to review the findings and explore further steps that could enable the large-scale rollout of eVTOL platforms across the Kingdom.

Speaking about the agreement, Captain Arnaud Martinez said: “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. Our partnership demonstrates confidence in emerging technologies, and a shared commitment to shaping a smarter, more connected tomorrow, together.”

John Pagano highlighted the alignment between eVTOL mobility and RSG’s sustainability agenda. “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.”

The partnership marks a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop sustainable aviation solutions, supporting the wider ambitions of Vision 2030 and the country’s push towards cleaner, more advanced mobility systems.