Mukamalah, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, the operator of the world’s largest fleet of corporate aircraft, is to introduce Joby’s electric air taxis to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The two companies will work together to engage with key aviation stakeholders, including the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), to expedite Joby’s entry into the Saudi Arabia market, leading to the direct purchase of Joby aircraft to be used in Mukamalah’s operations.

Mukamalah operates 55 aircraft from different fleets, serving 13 airports throughout Saudi Arabia, nine of which it fully manages and operates, along with more than 300 helipads, both on and offshore. Its services include passenger flights, search and rescue missions, cargo, medevac, executive flights, geological surveying, airport management and operations, offshore support and oil spill spraying, and MRO.

Captain Khalid Alnatour, CEO, says: "As part of our ongoing commitment to achieving the Kingdom’s sustainability goal, we are proud to be working with Joby to explore introducing emissions-free aircraft to our fleet and to the Kingdom. Over the past years we have already invested in a more sustainable future, including taking steps in sustainable aviation fuel testing, supporting the development of hydrogen solutions in the aviation ecosystem and supporting the Kingdom’s green initiatives by delivering sustainable aviation solutions.

“We are excited to work with Joby, and we look forward to furthering our shared goals as we strengthen our partnership and develop further innovative sustainable solutions together.”

The direct sale of aircraft to business customers such as Mukamalah and government partners like the US Department of Defense, forms one pillar of Joby’s commercialisation strategy, alongside the direct operation of Joby aircraft in core markets such as the US and the UAE, and partnered operations in other markets.

Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt says: ‘Saudi Arabia presents a remarkable opportunity for our technology, and the scope and scale of Mukamalah’s operations make it a natural partner for us. We’re looking forward to supporting Mukamalah as it introduces emissions-free aircraft to its fleet, and we’re excited to explore wider opportunities across the region in support of the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability, which is a pillar of Vision 2030, and its overall goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.”

A spokesperson for GACA adds: “We are proud to be working together with Joby and Mukamalah on the regulatory framework necessary to support the introduction of eVTOL aircraft. These initiatives will help the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia meet its climate goals and steer the nation towards a sustainable future.”