Joby Aviation announced a memorandum of understanding with Red Sea Global and The Helicopter Company to conduct pre‑commercial evaluation flights of its electric air taxi in Saudi Arabia. The partnership will create a sandbox for testing charging, airspace integration, and ground communications, building on earlier trials in the UAE.
The collaboration brings together Red Sea Global, the developer of The Red Sea and AMAALA tourism destinations, and The Helicopter Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter operator. The joint effort aims to evaluate the feasibility of air taxi operations in the Kingdom during the first half of 2026, leveraging Joby’s existing regulatory framework in the region.
The deal expands Joby’s footprint in the Middle East and Central Asia, complementing its planned launch in Dubai in 2026. By partnering with local operators and a major tourism developer, Joby seeks to accelerate market entry and secure a foundation for future commercial operations in Saudi Arabia.
Joby’s recent financial results provide context for the partnership. In Q3 2025, the company posted revenue of $22.57 million, exceeding estimates, while net loss widened to $401.23 million. Earnings per share were –$0.48 versus consensus –$0.19, reflecting ongoing investment in technology and infrastructure. The partnership is part of Joby’s broader strategy to scale operations and achieve profitability as it expands into high‑growth markets.
Management emphasized the strategic importance of the Saudi partnership. CEO JoeBen Bevirt said the collaboration “continues to lean in on the adoption of fast, clean and quiet air travel” and highlighted progress toward launching commercial service in Dubai next year. Red Sea Global’s Group CEO John Pagano noted that the partnership aligns with the company’s vision for regenerative tourism and sustainable mobility.
Analysts and investors viewed the announcement positively, citing the partnership’s potential to accelerate regulatory approvals and market penetration in a region with strong government support for advanced air mobility. The collaboration also positions Joby ahead of competitors such as Archer Aviation, which is pursuing similar initiatives in the Middle East.
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