The Helicopter Company (THC), a Public Investment Fund–owned operator and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial helicopter provider, has signed an agreement with US-based Archer Aviation Inc. and Red Sea Global (RSG) during the Dubai Airshow to advance the deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the Kingdom.

The partnership aims to develop, test, and potentially integrate Archer’s eVTOL aircraft into RSG’s operations at The Red Sea and AMAALA, marking one of the first planned eVTOL deployments in Saudi Arabia. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC; John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG; and Nikhil Goel, CCO of Archer.

In the initial phase, Archer, THC, and RSG will establish the operational framework for future eVTOL services in the Kingdom. This includes creating a structured sandbox environment to conduct test flights of Archer’s Midnight aircraft, evaluating performance under real-world conditions, operational feasibility, regulatory compliance, passenger experience, and ecosystem readiness.

The collaboration will also explore advanced aviation technologies, potential long-term deployment models, and opportunities to support regional innovation in next-generation air mobility.

RSG, a flagship PIF-backed developer, will lead the sandbox trials, leveraging its controlled airspace and sustainable infrastructure to assess how eVTOL aircraft could be incorporated into its future mobility systems. The company aims to use the testing program to demonstrate how eVTOLs can support regenerative tourism and low-emission transport solutions.

Following the sandbox phase, the three organizations will review the findings and consider the next steps toward large-scale eVTOL deployment.

Captain Martinez said the partnership reinforces THC’s goal of positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of new aviation technologies. Pagano noted it supports RSG’s push for cleaner, more efficient mobility across its destinations. Archer CEO Adam Goldstein added that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preparing the Kingdom for eVTOL adoption and showcasing the capabilities of the Midnight aircraft.