THC, RSG, and Archer Aviation Partner to Launch eVTOL Air Mobility in Saudi Arabia
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 November 2025 – The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company and Saudi Arabia’s premier commercial helicopter operator, has signed an agreement at this year’s Dubai Airshow with Archer Aviation, a U.S.-based aerospace innovator designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation and Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, John Pagano Group CEO of Red Sea Global, and Nikhil Goel, CCO of Archer Aviation. The partnership will focus on the development, testing, and potential integration of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft into RSG’s operations as one of the first deployments of eVTOL aircraft in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In the initial phase of the agreement, Archer Aviation will work together with THC and RSG to help build the foundational framework for their planned eVTOL operations in Saudi Arabia. This includes establishing a structured sandbox environment to conduct test flights with Archer’s Midnight eVTOL under real-world conditions to assess aircraft performance, operational feasibility, regulatory alignment, passenger acceptance, and overall ecosystem readiness. 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.
As the framework progresses, RSG will lead the sandbox testing with Archer’s Midnight aircraft 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.
Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, commented: “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, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, said: “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.”
Archer Aviation’s founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein commented, “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.”
The MoU forms a key milestone in advancing Saudi Arabia’s aviation ecosystem and positioning the Kingdom as a leading global hub for next-generation air travel, in line with Vision 2030.
For any media queries on THC, please contact:
Tania Ahmed
About The Helicopter Company:
THC was established as part of Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s strategy to activate new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realization of Vision 2030 by creating an entire new ecosystem for general aviation services and introducing safe and efficient transport services across the kingdom. THC is Kingdom’s premier commercial helicopter operator and has been operating since mid-2019. THC has 60+ aircraft that serve diverse segments, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), aerial work, private charters and tourism in the Kingdom.
For more information, please visit: https://helicopter.com.sa/
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