Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea resorts are set to undergo a major transformation in transportation as electric air taxis replace seaplanes starting next year. Archer Aviation, a US-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) company, will introduce its Midnight air taxis to fly tourists to luxury resorts along the Red Sea. The announcement came after the company signed a landmark agreement at the Dubai Airshow with the Public Investment Fund’s The Helicopter Company (THC) and Red Sea Global, the developer behind the world-class resorts.

According to Nikhil Goel, Archer's Chief Commercial Officer, the deal marks a significant milestone for THC as it begins deploying early aircraft for eVTOL testing, with plans to launch operations as soon as possible. "We’ve been working closely with Red Sea Global's team for some time, and the goal is to have eVTOL flights operational next year," Goel said.

While the exact number of aircraft and the value of the agreement have not been disclosed, Archer confirmed that operations will begin with a small fleet, which will expand as the commercial routes are finalized. The move is part of a broader effort to introduce cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation alternatives to the Red Sea resorts, which are currently served by fuel-intensive seaplanes.

Seaplanes, which burn a significant amount of fuel and produce high emissions, will be replaced by Archer’s electric air taxis, which offer a cleaner alternative for tourists in one of the world’s most ecologically sensitive regions. Goel emphasized that the Midnight eVTOL’s vertical take-off and landing capabilities provide a convenient and sustainable solution for high-end travelers seeking to access remote resorts.

This shift aligns with Red Sea Global’s broader vision for regenerative tourism. John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, highlighted that the introduction of electric aircraft would create a "cleaner, faster, and more connected way" for visitors to experience the resorts while preserving the environment.

Archer’s partnership with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and THC also opens the door for future collaborations with other major Saudi projects. The Red Sea resorts are just the beginning, as Archer looks to expand its services to other giga-projects in Saudi Arabia, including Neom and Qiddiya. Goel expressed enthusiasm for the potential of these projects, noting that Neom and Qiddiya’s ambitious goals for innovation and sustainability align perfectly with Archer's mission.

The development of air taxis in the region is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to modernize its aviation sector. The country’s aviation regulator, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), launched an Advanced Air Mobility Roadmap in 2022 to guide the growth of eVTOL technology, with the aim of integrating these aircraft into the kingdom’s airspace.

The momentum for electric air taxis is also gaining traction in neighboring Abu Dhabi. Archer Aviation has signed a similar agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to introduce its Midnight aircraft to the UAE capital by the end of 2026. This collaboration will involve testing the aircraft in the region, recruiting and training local pilots, and certifying the technology for commercial use. Abu Dhabi also plans to establish a network of vertiports to support the future air taxi services.

With Saudi Arabia and the UAE both actively pursuing the integration of eVTOL technology, the future of air travel in the region is set to be transformed. The shift to electric air taxis not only promises a more sustainable solution but also highlights the region’s commitment to being at the forefront of advanced air mobility, a key pillar of both nations' long-term innovation strategies.

As Archer Aviation’s partnership with the PIF and THC progresses, it’s clear that the Red Sea resorts will serve as a testing ground for a broader vision of modern, eco-friendly air travel in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh Air and Saudia have announced the implementation of the first phase of their Strategic Cooperation Agreement, marking a major step in strengthening connectivity under Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy.

The partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2023 and enables the two airlines to expand travel options for domestic and international passengers.

As part of the first phase, Riyadh Air has established a connection with Saudia’s Passenger Service System (PSS), allowing the carriers to implement their codeshare across their respective technology platforms.

Under the RX-SV codeshare, Riyadh Air will place its “RX” designator on selected Saudia-operated flights from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport to six domestic destinations: Abha, Al Qassim, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina and Tabuk.

The agreement will give Riyadh Air passengers access to additional destinations worldwide through convenient connections in Riyadh. For example, travelers from Dammam can connect via Riyadh to Madrid on a single ticket, while passengers flying from Kuala Lumpur can connect through Riyadh to Medina.

By using Saudia’s frequent services between Riyadh and the six codeshare destinations, Riyadh Air will offer passengers more convenient connections aligned with the arrival and departure schedules of its flights at Riyadh.

Both airlines operate within the King Khalid International Airport Terminal 1-4 complex, enabling passengers to benefit from streamlined connections, single-ticket journeys and through-checked baggage to their final destinations.

The first phase represents a significant step toward deeper cooperation between Saudi Arabia’s two national carriers and supports the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to expand its global aviation network.

Source: aaco.org

SalamAir has announced the establishment of Salalah’s first-ever airline base, marking a major step in the airline’s expansion and strengthening direct international connectivity from Oman’s Dhofar Governorate.

The new Salalah-based operation will initially serve three international destinations: Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Chattogram in Bangladesh and Calicut in India. Bookings opened on August 26, with flights scheduled to begin from the end of October as part of SalamAir’s Winter 2026 schedule.

The base follows SalamAir’s expanded operations during the 2026 Khareef season, when the airline increased capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route to as many as 15 daily flights during peak periods.

The airline also introduced special domestic fares for Omani nationals, with one-way tickets starting from OMR 9.99, supporting affordable travel between Muscat and Salalah.

The new base is expected to extend SalamAir’s role beyond the Khareef season by supporting year-round travel demand among residents and expatriate communities in Dhofar while offering more direct access to key regional and international destinations.

Operations from Salalah will be supported by SalamAir’s Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet. The airline currently operates 18 aircraft, providing additional flexibility to support growing demand across its network.

During the winter season, SalamAir will also operate charter flights linking Salalah with Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, supporting inbound tourism from Central Asia.

The Salalah base forms part of SalamAir’s wider strategy to expand its network from key airports across Oman, develop underserved markets and stimulate new travel demand while supporting the growth of the Sultanate’s aviation and tourism sectors.

Source: ZAWYA