Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with British electric aircraft developer Vertical Aerospace to accelerate the development of the Kingdom's advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.
The agreement, signed during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, aims to establish the regulatory and operational framework needed to support the introduction of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other next-generation aviation technologies.
The partnership will focus on developing certification pathways, regulatory approvals and technical cooperation, while facilitating the exchange of expertise between Saudi Arabia and international aviation authorities.
GACA said the agreement supports Saudi Arabia's Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap and forms part of broader efforts to create a regulatory environment that encourages the adoption of low-emission aviation technologies.
The initiative aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a regional aviation and global logistics hub.
In a separate agreement announced at the airshow, Cluster2 Airports Company signed a memorandum of understanding with Vertical Aerospace to explore airport infrastructure required to support future eVTOL operations across the Kingdom.
The agreement will examine requirements for vertiports, charging facilities and other ground infrastructure needed to integrate electric air taxis into Saudi Arabia's transportation network.
Saudi Arabia is among several Gulf states investing in advanced air mobility as governments seek to develop new forms of urban transportation, reduce emissions and establish early commercial markets for electric aircraft.
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