The Middle East is shaping up to become, most likely, the first region of the World that will see regular commercial eVTOL service.
EVTOL developers are flocking to the region to strike deals with the local authorities and industry players. The Future Aviation Forum, which took place in Riyadh, May 20-22, 2024, was no exception.
Visitors to the Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC) could get a close look at a full-scale mockup of Archer’s Midnight, a sleek-looking eVTOL designed to carry four passengers and operated by a single pilot.
Following its signature of a comprehensive partnership agreement with Abu Dhabi’s Investment Office (ADIO) to roll-out eVTOL operations and build a production facility in that emirate of the UAE, Archer has started talks with Saudi authorities about establishing a foothold in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well.
AeroTime had the chance to speak with Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Nikhil Goel, in Riyadh. Here is what he told us: