Archer announced a strategic partnership with Jetex focused on developing infrastructure across Jetex’s international portfolio of private terminals to support Archer’s planned commercial air taxi network. This collaboration, planned to focus initially on infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, is expected to expand to additional sites around the world across Jetex’s global portfolio, which includes 40 private aircraft terminals in more than 30 countries. Building upon Archer’s prior partnerships with other leading infrastructure providers, this approach advances Archer’s plans to scale a vertiport network that can support the growth plans for Archer’s air taxi operations globally. Under this partnership, the two companies plan to enhance Jetex’s strategically located fixed base operator (FBOs) locations to better suit Archer’s Midnight aircraft. Archer plans to work with Jetex to design the passenger experience and integrate eVTOL aircraft into daily operations.These upgrades will be paired with Jetex’s luxury service standards to deliver an efficient, tech-enabled customer journey. Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex commented: “eVTOL technology is an instrumental part of our industry, designed to transform urban mobility and shape the future of business aviation. We are proud to work with our partners at Archer on making this ambitious vision a reality at Jetex Abu Dhabi and our other global destinations.” Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, said, “Building a beautiful, safe and high-performing aircraft is only one aspect of our business. To succeed in the UAE and beyond we need to pair Midnight with strategic infrastructure that allows us to operate by delivering a premium experience for our passengers. With their wide-ranging global portfolio, and deep expertise with high-end customer service, Jetex is a perfect fit as a partner in Archer’s …
Read More »Front end spearheads the historic air taxi trial in Mecca
Front End announced that the company enabled a successful demonstration of the first unmanned air taxi trial in Mecca, supported by its partner, EHang, the world’s leading urban air mobility (UAM) technology platform company. Front End’s commitment to bringing the latest technology to the Kingdom along with EHang’s guidance in the adoption of urban air mobility, together with the leadership of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Ministry of Hajj, the Ministry of Interior, marked a pivotal step towards a faster, more efficient, and sustainable Hajj. This collaboration unlocked a truly innovative solution, showcasing the remarkable potential of government-private partnerships to drive advancements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA said: “The trial marks a major advancement in integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into Saudi Arabia’s aviation landscape. We are committed to the highest safety standards and seamless integration into existing air traffic systems. This trial acts as a proof of concept for multiple use cases and contributes to various AAM roadmap initiatives. We appreciate the instrumental support of Front End and EHang to mark this historic milestone for Saudi Arabia.” The annual Hajj pilgrimage, a monumental gathering of diverse nationalities, presents unique logistical challenges. This innovative demonstration aims to streamline transportation during this sacred event, by efficiently moving pilgrims faster between key locations, ensuring a smoother and safer Hajj experience. Commenting on the demonstration, Mr. Majid Alghaslan, Chairman and CEO of Front End Limited Company, said: “Front End is at the forefront of this trailblazing trial, paving the way to a new era in smart mobility solutions, potentially revolutionizing Hajj …
Read More »NEOM and Volocopter tests first electric air taxi flight in Saudi Arabia
NEOM and Volocopter announced the successful completion of a series of air taxi test flights. This marks the first time an eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft has received a special flight authorization and performed test flights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The flight test campaign lasted over a week and built on 18 months of collaboration between NEOM, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), and Volocopter, with the aim of implementing and scaling an electric UAM ecosystem and testbed in NEOM. The parties worked closely to ensure full regulatory compliance and safety ahead of the test campaign. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, said: “The successful test flight of a Volocopter eVTOL is not just another milestone towards the creation of NEOM’s innovative, sustainable, multimodal transportation system – it is a tangible example of NEOM as a global accelerator and incubator of solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Driving the development of smart, sustainable, and safe mobility systems will improve livability and connectivity in cities around the world and reduce carbon emissions, creating a cleaner future for all.” His Excellency, Abdulaziz A. Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: “This safe and successful test flight represents an important milestone of the Saudi aviation sector and another steady step towards achieving the aviation sector’s strategy, through innovation and employing emerging technologies to create new industries that contribute to the output GDP and create more jobs. It also confirms GACA’s commitment to enabling the safe integration of innovative air transport patterns that improve the mobility experience of individuals in urban areas and the quality of life in the Kingdom …
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