Summary
American companies Archer and Joby are entering the Middle East market to test and launch electric air taxis, known as eVTOLs. These air taxis are designed for short-distance urban travel and have signed agreements to begin operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Key Facts
- eVTOL stands for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, designed for urban transportation.
- Archer and Joby, two U.S. companies, will test eVTOLs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
- Archer has started flight tests in Abu Dhabi, while Joby plans to launch in Ras al Khaimah and prepare for Dubai.
- These taxis aim to support luxury tourism and premium transport in the Gulf region.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given preliminary certifications to both companies.
- eVTOLs are quieter and seen as safer than traditional helicopters due to multiple propellers and redundancies.
- Chinese companies like AutoFlight, EHang, and TCab are also developing eVTOLs.
