Air taxis in Saudi Arabia are no longer a distant dream. A major step has been taken to bring flying cars to the skies, as Abdul Latif Jameel and US-based Joby Aviation have signed a $1 billion deal to launch air taxi services in the Kingdom. This bold move is expected to reshape transport in the region and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in futuristic urban mobility.
This partnership marks a big milestone for both companies. It also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to support innovative and sustainable transportation.
What the $1 Billion Air Taxi Deal Includes
The agreement between Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby Aviation includes plans to operate electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) across major Saudi cities.
Key highlights of the deal:
- Total value: $1 billion
- Goal: Launch commercial air taxi operations by 2026
- Fleet: Joby’s quiet, zero-emission electric aircraft
- Cities targeted: Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM
- Local hiring and training to create jobs
The agreement makes Abdul Latif Jameel the exclusive partner for Joby in Saudi Arabia. It covers aircraft sales, operations, infrastructure planning, customer services, and hiring and training of Saudi nationals.
Why Air Taxis in Saudi Arabia Matter
Saudi Arabia’s growing cities are facing increased traffic and travel delays. Air taxis provide a fast and clean way to travel above ground, especially in congested urban areas.
Here’s how air taxis can benefit the Kingdom:
- Time-saving: Travel across cities in minutes
- Eco-friendly: Zero emissions
- Quiet: Quieter than helicopters
- Smart: Fits into the Kingdom’s smart city plans
Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby Aviation believe this technology will improve how people move, especially in big cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. It will also connect with major projects like NEOM and King Abdullah Economic City.
Joby Aviation: A Pioneer in eVTOL Aircraft
Joby Aviation is a California-based company known for its innovation in electric air mobility. Its aircraft has already flown more than 30,000 miles in test flights and is designed for quick, safe urban flights.
Joby’s air taxi:
- Seats 4 passengers + 1 pilot
- Travels up to 160 km on a single charge
- Reaches speeds up to 320 km/h
- Very quiet—less than 45 dBA at takeoff
Joby has also partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA. In 2023, it received a special airworthiness certificate from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), making it one of the few companies close to commercial launch.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: A Natural Fit
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s national plan to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil. One of its key pillars is building smart cities and modern infrastructure.
The Kingdom has already shown strong interest in future transport:
- Investment in electric vehicles and autonomous mobility
- Projects like NEOM and The Line, which focus on high-tech, sustainable living
- Strong focus on tourism and modern urban living
By bringing air taxis into the mix, the country is taking another bold step toward being a tech-forward society.
NEOM: The Ideal Playground for Air Taxis
NEOM is a $500 billion mega-project that includes smart cities, floating ports, and linear urban planning. It has already shown interest in advanced mobility, with flying taxis being part of its early concept plans.
This makes NEOM a perfect place to test and launch air taxis in real-world settings. The terrain, population density, and innovation-focused vision align perfectly with Joby’s aircraft.
Economic Impact: Jobs, Skills, and Infrastructure
Beyond technology, the air taxi project will also boost the Saudi economy in many ways.
Job Creation:
Local hiring and training are key parts of the agreement. Joby and Abdul Latif Jameel will train Saudis to work as pilots, engineers, technicians, and support staff.
New Infrastructure:
The Kingdom will build “vertiports,” which are small airports for air taxis. These will be placed on rooftops, near transport hubs, or in business zones.
Boost to Tourism:
Air taxis could offer quick trips for tourists between key destinations—like from King Abdulaziz International Airport to Jeddah’s historic old town or from Riyadh to the new Qiddiya entertainment city.
Saudi Arabia’s Wider Push Into Advanced Mobility
This air taxi deal is not a standalone effort. Saudi Arabia is also investing heavily in electric vehicles, smart highways, and AI-driven traffic systems.
Other recent transport innovations include:
- Lucid Motors factory in King Abdullah Economic City
- The Public Investment Fund’s focus on electric and autonomous mobility
- Massive road and metro upgrades in Riyadh
This shows that the Kingdom sees mobility as a key part of its economic future.
Challenges Ahead: What Needs to Happen Next
While the deal is exciting, there are still steps to take before air taxis become common in Saudi Arabia.
1. Regulatory Approval:
Local aviation authorities must approve these flights for commercial use.
2. Public Acceptance:
People must feel safe and trust the system. Education campaigns may be needed.
3. Infrastructure Buildout:
Vertiports, charging stations, and air traffic systems need to be built.
4. Weather and Climate Testing:
Saudi Arabia’s hot climate and desert winds pose technical challenges for electric aircraft. Testing must prove the aircraft can handle local conditions.
Still, both Joby and Abdul Latif Jameel say they are confident and on track for a 2026 launch.
Global Context: Saudi Arabia Joins a Global Race
Countries around the world are working on air taxi technology. Saudi Arabia’s deal puts it ahead of many others, thanks to strong funding, ambitious projects, and a tech-friendly approach.
Joby is also working with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority. This means the wider Gulf region could become a major air taxi hub.
Conclusion: Saudi Arabia Takes the Lead in Air Taxi Future
The $1 billion air taxi deal between Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby Aviation is more than just a business move—it’s a vision for the future of transport in Saudi Arabia.
From easing traffic to cutting emissions, from smart cities to tourism, air taxis have the potential to revolutionize how people live and travel in the Kingdom.
With plans to launch by 2026, this is just the beginning of a new chapter in mobility—one where the skies above Saudi Arabia might soon be filled with flying taxis.
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