Archer’s Midnight eVTOL Could Soon Be Flying Tourists Around Saudi Arabia

Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft

Saudi Arabia might be getting a new way to move people around the skies—thanks to a fresh partnership between Archer Aviation, The Helicopter Company (THC), and real estate developer Red Sea Global. The trio shared the news during the Dubai Airshow, revealing plans to explore using Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft as an air taxi service for some of the country’s most stunning tourist destinations.

Unlike a traditional aircraft deal, THC hasn’t locked in a purchase order for the four-passenger Midnight just yet. Instead, the focus for now is on testing and fine-tuning how these electric air taxis could fit into travel plans for high-end resorts like The Red Sea and AMAALA. Think quick, quiet, point-to-point hops over pristine coastlines—very futuristic vacation vibes.

To help make this possible, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation is setting up a special controlled “sandbox” environment where the partners can run real-world operational trials. Once the testing phase wraps up, they’ll take a step back, review the results, and decide whether a full-scale rollout of eVTOL air taxi services makes sense.

THC already has plenty of experience in the air. Since 2019, the company has grown a fleet of more than 60 helicopters handling everything from emergency medical flights to aerial work and private charters. Earlier this year, leadership confirmed that building an advanced air mobility division—exactly the kind of space eVTOLs fit into—is now a top priority.

Saudi Arabia has been showing growing interest in next-gen aircraft. Just last month, GACA said it will accept U.S. FAA type certification standards for Joby Aviation’s eVTOL—Archer’s biggest competitor. Joby also has a strong presence in the region, supported by a major deal with Abdul Latif Jameel to purchase up to 200 aircraft and act as Joby’s distributor.

There’s been other movement too: In 2024, Saudia announced an agreement to buy up to 100 Lilium eVTOLs before the German company unfortunately shut down. Eve Air Mobility has also dipped a toe into the Saudi market with its own partnership plans.

At the Dubai Airshow, Archer showcased a full-scale mockup of the Midnight, drawing plenty of attention. Beyond Saudi Arabia, the company is also exploring eVTOL air taxi operations in the UAE—so the Gulf could become a major early adopter of this futuristic mode of travel.