US Air Taxis Reach New Global Market
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 2:49 pm
US Air Taxi Companies Eye Middle East Expansion
American air taxi manufacturers are aggressively expanding into the Middle East, aiming to launch electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft services. Companies like Archer and Joby are leading the charge, signing deals to test and deploy their aircraft in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These eVTOLs are designed for short-range urban transportation, offering a potential solution for congested cities and a new form of premium transportation.
Archer has already conducted flight tests in Abu Dhabi, while Joby is preparing operations in Dubai and has secured a deal to launch air taxis in Ras al Khaimah. Both companies are partnering with local entities, including those backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, to facilitate their expansion. The focus is on integrating these American-made eVTOLs to support luxury tourism and enhance transportation options in the region.
The Middle East is seen as a promising market for the initial commercial operations of these eVTOLs. The Gulf countries are demonstrating confidence in U.S. aviation technology for advanced air mobility. These aircraft are marketed as being quieter than helicopters and safer due to multiple propellers and redundancy systems.
The development of eVTOLs has been underway for over a decade, involving extensive research, testing, and certification processes. Both Archer and Joby have received preliminary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications, a crucial step toward commercial operations. However, the actual rollout of air taxi services will depend on building the necessary infrastructure, including vertiports, and securing all required regulatory approvals.
Meanwhile, China is also actively developing its own eVTOL technology, with companies like AutoFlight, EHang, and TCab conducting test flights.
BNN's Perspective:
The expansion of American air taxi companies into the Middle East represents a significant step in the evolution of urban transportation. While the technology holds promise for reducing congestion and offering a more sustainable travel option, it is important to acknowledge the challenges. The successful integration of eVTOLs will require careful planning, infrastructure development, and regulatory oversight to ensure safety and efficiency. The competition from Chinese companies highlights the global nature of this emerging market and the need for American companies to remain competitive.
Keywords: eVTOL, air taxi, Archer, Joby, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Dubai, urban transportation, aviation, electric aircraft, FAA, commercial operations, luxury tourism, advanced air mobility, China, AutoFlight, EHang, TCab